August 03, Colombo (LNW): The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has renewed its appeal to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for an opportunity to discuss the Government’s proposed constitutional amendment to raise the retirement age of judges, urging that the process be suspended until its concerns are formally heard.
In a letter addressed to the President, the BASL called for no further action to be taken on the proposed amendment until it has been given the opportunity to present its position directly to the Head of State.
The Association emphasised that constitutional amendments affecting the Superior Judiciary should not be introduced in response to immediate or temporary circumstances. Instead, it argued that reforms of such constitutional importance must be supported by a clearly established institutional need, accompanied by transparent public justification and preceded by meaningful consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
The BASL further noted that public trust in the country’s constitutional framework depends not only on the content of any amendment but also on the integrity, transparency and inclusiveness of the process through which such changes are introduced.
According to the Association, it had previously communicated its concerns to the President in writing but had not received a response or any official observations. Despite this, it said, the Cabinet of Ministers proceeded to examine and approve the proposal without first allowing the BASL to present its views.
The Association stated that it was subsequently invited to make its preliminary submissions to Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara. During those discussions, the Minister reportedly assured BASL representatives that their concerns would be conveyed to the President and that arrangements would be sought for a direct meeting between the President and the Association.
The BASL also pointed out that the Justice Minister had, on April 09, 2026, written to the President’s Private Secretary requesting that such a meeting be facilitated.
Reaffirming its position, the Association said it remains hopeful of engaging in direct dialogue with President Dissanayake on the proposed amendment. It reiterated its request that the Government refrain from taking any further steps in relation to the constitutional amendment until the BASL has had the opportunity to present its considered observations in person.
The letter, dated August 01, 2026, was signed by BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Nalin De Silva.
