CLA backs concerns raised by BASL over move to increase retirement age of senior judges

The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) on Thursday noted concerns raised by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) over a reported move to amend the Constitution to increase the retirement age of judges of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

In a statement, the CLA said the BASL, in a letter dated May 25, 2026, addressed to the President, had expressed grave concern that the Government was considering a constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of senior judges, currently fixed under Article 107(5) of the Constitution.

Full text of CLA statement: The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) notes the letter of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) issued on 25th May 2026 to His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka. The BASL has expressed grave concern that the Government of Sri Lanka is considering the introduction of an amendment to the Constitution to increase the retirement age of the Judges of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

The retirement age of senior judges is presently fixed by Article 107(5) of the Constitution. Any amendment would require a Constitutional Amendment. Constitutional amendments should not be made in a piecemeal or ad hoc manner as this could reduce the sanctity of the Constitution. Further, constitutional reform must be foreshadowed by adequate public and stakeholder consultation, as a requirement of due process in a democracy.

The Constitution of Sri Lanka recognizes the Independence of the Judiciary and its importance in preserving and maintaining the rule of law.

The Commonwealth (Latimer House) Principles on the three Branches of Government state in Principle IV that:

“An independent, impartial, honest and competent judiciary is integral to upholding the rule of law, engendering public confidence and dispensing justice.”

The CLA’s Goa Declaration 2023 states that:

“The independence and impartiality of the judiciary must be upheld and protected by governments, including under domestic laws, regulations and policies “

The CLA considers that any steps to diminish public confidence in the judiciary is antithetical to the rule of law and must be avoided.

The letter from BASL to the President of Sri Lanka states:

“Extending the retirement age of the sitting Judges of these Courts at this point of time is likely to be viewed by the public as a blatant attempt to interfere with the judiciary.”

The BASL letter goes on to state:

“The independence of the Judiciary and the public confidence reposed in it, are indispensable pillars of the rule of law and the democratic framework of (Sri Lanka). In that regard it is of paramount importance that the Judiciary must not only remain independent in fact but also must be seen by the public to be wholly independent, impartial, and free from even the slightest perception of influence, favour, accommodation, or impropriety.”

The CLA supports the reasoned and principled position adopted by BASL and calls upon the authorities in Sri Lanka:

To refrain from proceeding with the proposed constitutional amendments seeking to increase the retirement age of members of the Judiciary;

To resist piecemeal and ad hoc amendments to the Constitution of Sri Lanka.

To adhere to due process of consultation and stakeholder engagement in constitutional reform;

To desist from taking any steps which would undermine confidence in the Judiciary and irreparably diminish the independence of the judiciary; and

To ensure adherence to the rule of law and respect for the independence of the judiciary.

Sri Lanka has recorded 122 human drownings so far in 2026, with Police urging the public to exercise greater vigilance, particularly during school holidays and the forthcoming Poson festival period.

Addressing the media yesterday, Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said the deaths reported this year included 113 men and nine women.

He also disclosed that 595 drowning deaths had been recorded in 2024, comprising 510 men and 85 women.

According to Police data, 376 drowning deaths were reported in 2025, including 309 men and 67 women.

The Police Spokesman said that a total of 1,093 lives had been lost to drowning between 2024 and 2026, with many of the victims being youth.

He called on parents and elders to remain alert and ensure close supervision of children and young people when visiting rivers, reservoirs, beaches and other water bodies.

ASP Wootler stressed that increased caution was essential during the holiday season and the upcoming Poson festival in order to prevent further tragedies.

By Norman Palihawadane

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court yesterday (12) ordered the release on bail of former Southern Province Chief Minister Shan Wijeyalal de Silva, who was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and remanded over corruption allegations.

Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama issued the order after considering submissions made by CIABOC officials and lawyers appearing for the suspect.

The court ordered that de Silva be released on two surety bail of Rs. 5 million each. He was also prohibited from travelling overseas and directed to surrender his passport to court.

According to CIABOC, de Silva was arrested on June 10 in connection with alleged financial irregularities, dating back to 2019.

Investigators allege that Rs. 16.5 million in Provincial Council members’ allocations were misused under the Southern Provincial Development Authority by bypassing established procurement procedures.

They alleged that a manufacturing company was selected, outside the approved process, to supply chairs for voluntary associations, resulting in undue benefit to the supplier.

CIABOC also claimed that 16,361 chairs, purchased under the scheme, were distributed and delivered to the residences and offices of 54 Provincial Council members across three districts, causing financial loss to the State.