By Ceylon Signal 
Rome, August 3, 2026 — The International Association of Judges (IAJ) has issued a formal statement expressing concern over the Sri Lankan Government’s proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges by two years.
Founded in Salzburg, Austria, in 1953, the IAJ represents 93 national associations of judges across five continents. In its statement, the organization reaffirmed its mission to safeguard judicial independence, strengthen human rights, and uphold the rule of law.
The IAJ noted that while the concept of adjusting judicial retirement ages is not inherently problematic, the timing and manner of the proposed amendment raise serious questions. The association emphasized that constitutional changes must follow a principled, consultative, and transparent process, warning that arbitrary or ad hoc amendments could undermine the independence of the judiciary.
The statement also highlighted concerns shared by the Judicial Service Association of Sri Lanka and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, both of which have cautioned against potential political motivations behind the proposal. The IAJ observed that many legal experts perceive the move as one that could benefit specific judicial officers, thereby threatening the impartiality of the judiciary.
“In light of these serious concerns, the IAJ respectfully calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to reconsider the proposed legislation,” the statement read. The organization pledged to closely monitor developments in Sri Lanka to ensure adherence to constitutional principles and judicial independence.
The IAJ’s intervention adds international weight to growing domestic and regional scrutiny of Sri Lanka’s judicial reforms, underscoring the global importance of maintaining the integrity of judicial institutions.