No Cabinet approval yet on judges’ retirement age extension: Justice Minister

Friday, 12 June 2026 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Justice Minister

Harshana Nanayakkara

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara yesterday clarified that the Government has not obtained Cabinet approval to extend the retirement age of judges, including those serving in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.

Responding to questions raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa under Standing Order 27(2) in Parliament, the Minister said the Government had received requests from several professional groups seeking an increase in the retirement age.

Nanayakkara noted that while some of these requests were reasonable, others appeared to be politically motivated, and were being assessed accordingly.

He stressed, however, that no official decision had been taken regarding an extension of the retirement age for judges or other professionals, and that the matter remained under consideration.

The clarification comes amid growing public discussion and speculation over possible changes to retirement age limits within the judicial system.