Saturday Jun 13, 2026
Saturday Jun 13, 2026
Saturday, 13 June 2026 06:53 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) has expressed concern over Sri Lanka’s reported move to extend the retirement age of judges of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, warning that such a constitutional amendment could undermine judicial independence and erode public confidence in the judiciary.
In a statement issued yesterday, the CLA referred to the recent letter by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in which the proposal was described as a “blatant attempt to interfere with the judiciary.”
Echoing the concerns raised by the BASL, the CLA stressed that constitutional amendments should not be introduced in a piecemeal or ad hoc manner and must be preceded by adequate consultation with stakeholders and the public.
The association cited the Latimer House Principles and its Goa Declaration 2023, emphasising that an independent, impartial, and competent judiciary remains a cornerstone of the rule of law and democratic governance.
The CLA cautioned that any action which diminishes public confidence in the judiciary would be “antithetical to the rule of law” and could have broader implications for the administration of justice.
Calling on Sri Lankan authorities to reconsider the proposal, the association urged the Government to refrain from proceeding with the proposed constitutional amendment, resist piecemeal changes to the Constitution, and ensure due process through meaningful consultation and stakeholder engagement.
The statement also called for continued safeguards to protect judicial independence and uphold the rule of law.
The CLA, an international non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the rule of law across Commonwealth jurisdictions, underscored that governments have a responsibility to respect and preserve judicial independence through their laws, regulations, and public policies.
