Bar Association requests urgent meeting with President on proposed constitutional amendment

A halt to all further steps regarding the proposed constitutional amendment to increase the retirement age of Superior Court Judges was urged until a direct meeting can take place to discuss the matter.

The request was conveyed in a formal letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake by Bar Association of Sri Lanka President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Nalin De Silva.

The legal body reiterated concerns first raised in a letter dated 25th May 2026, noting that no compelling institutional necessity exists to justify altering constitutional provisions regarding judicial retirement age. The association highlighted that recent increases in the approved cadre of both Superior Courts already address issues concerning judicial capacity and workload.

Concerns were expressed that an amendment directed solely at extending the tenure of sitting judges inevitably raises questions about purpose and motivation. Such measures risk eroding public confidence in the independence of the Judiciary, which relies heavily on the public perception that the institution remains free from influence, favour, or accommodation.

The association emphasised that constitutional amendments affecting the Superior Judiciary must never occur in an ad hoc manner or in response to temporary circumstances. Any reform of such magnitude requires transparent public justification, broad stakeholder consultation, and careful reflection, as public trust depends as much on the process as on the substance.

Regret was expressed that no official response followed the May communication, while the Cabinet of Ministers proceeded to approve the proposal without giving the legal fraternity an opportunity to present its concerns.

Initial submissions were later presented to Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, who assured the delegation that their position would be conveyed to the Head of State alongside a request for a personal meeting.

The Justice Minister previously wrote to the President's Private Secretary on 9th April 2026 requesting an official discussion, yet no meeting took place despite several months passing.

The leadership of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka remains hopeful of presenting its considered views directly to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to ensure that any reform affecting the constitutional architecture of the Judiciary protects the long-term interests of justice administration and public confidence.