Judicial retirement age extension move creates discontent - Joint Opposition

Colombo, July 11 (Daily Mirror) - Joint Opposition Convener Prof. G.L. Peiris said the government's proposal to raise the retirement age of Supreme Court judges through a constitutional amendment would amount to a serious assault on the country's cherished democratic institutions.

Addressing a seminar titled "Let's Defeat Sinister Moves to Compromise Judicial Independence," he said the government planned to increase the retirement age of Supreme Court judges from 65 to 67 by amending Article 107(5) of the Constitution, which currently stipulates that Supreme Court judges shall retire at the age of 65.

He said the move would constitute a serious assault on the country's democratic culture and institutions if the government proceeded with it.

Pointing out that the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) had opposed the proposal, Prof. Peiris said it had been introduced purely to serve narrow political interests. He added that even the judges themselves had not requested such an extension.

He said the proposal would deprive other judges of promotion opportunities and create discontent within the judiciary.

According to him, the extension would adversely affect the career progression of judicial officers serving in both the lower courts and the superior courts.

"Judicial officers who have devoted 25, 30 or 35 years of service naturally aspire to reach the highest positions in the judiciary. Promotions should therefore be made on professional and humanitarian grounds," he said.

He added that individuals who choose a career in the judiciary often do so out of a commitment to public service and professional fulfilment, foregoing more lucrative opportunities available in other professions.

Prof. Peiris said the government's arbitrary decision had already created dissatisfaction within sections of the judiciary and warned that it could adversely affect the judiciary.