The International Association of Judges (IAJ), the world’s largest global organization representing national judges’ associations, has voiced serious concerns over Sri Lanka’s proposed constitutional amendment to increase the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges by two years.
In a statement, the IAJ stressed that its concerns are not about changing the retirement age itself, but rather the timing, manner of introduction, and the widely perceived purpose of the proposed amendment.
The organization said constitutional reforms affecting the judiciary should be introduced through a reasoned, principled, consultative, and transparent process, rather than through what it described as an arbitrary and ad hoc announcement. It warned that such an approach could undermine judicial independence.
The IAJ also noted that the proposal is widely perceived as being intended to benefit specific judicial officers, adding that such perceptions risk eroding public confidence in the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, regardless of the government’s actual intentions.
The association said it shares concerns previously raised by the Judicial Service Association of Sri Lanka and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association.
Calling on the Sri Lankan government to reconsider the proposed legislation in its current form, the IAJ said it would continue to closely monitor developments relating to the country’s judiciary.
Founded in 1953 in Salzburg, Austria, the International Association of Judges represents 93 national judges’ associations across five continents and works to safeguard judicial independence, uphold the rule of law, and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
