Bill to Extend Judges' Retirement Age Submitted to Parliament

A constitutional amendment bill to raise the retirement age for judges in Sri Lanka's higher courts is scheduled for presentation to parliament on August 18. Minister of Justice, Harkan Nanayakkara, stated that this bill is a positive step towards rectifying deficiencies in the judicial sector and enhancing its efficiency.

If passed, the 12th amendment to the constitution will extend the retirement age for Supreme Court judges from 65 to 67 years, and for Court of Appeal judges from 63 to 65 years. The gazette notification for the 22nd constitutional amendment was recently released, paving the way for this new proposal.

However, the proposed legislation has encountered significant opposition. The Judicial Services Association, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, many opposition political parties, the United Nations, and other international organizations have expressed strong disapproval. It is anticipated that the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and various civil society organizations will file the maximum number of petitions against this bill in the Supreme Court.

Under Article 121 of the constitution, a bill presented to parliament has a 14-day window for legal challenges in the Supreme Court. The court must then deliver its decision to parliament within three to 21 days after hearing the petition.

“

This bill is a positive step in the government's program to correct deficiencies in the judicial field and make it an efficient place.