Move to alter judges’ retirement age may erode public trust, lawyers warn

The Colombo High Court Lawyers’ Association has stated that the arbitrary alteration of the retirement age of Court of Appeal and Supreme Court judges is contrary to the Constitution.

In a six-page letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the association emphasised that such a move could undermine public confidence in the independence of the Judiciary.

The association further noted that such changes could create obstacles within the judicial service’s promotion system.

It also warned that public trust in the independence of the Judiciary could be diminished as a result of the proposed changes.

Meanwhile, the Free Lawyers’ Organisation also expressed its opposition to the proposal to increase the retirement age of judges during a press briefing held yesterday.