By Ceylon Signal 
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has declared unanimous opposition to the government’s proposal to extend the retirement age of judges, calling it a short‑sighted move that threatens the independence of the judiciary.
Speaking after a special general meeting held this morning (29), BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya said every lawyer present — both physically and via Zoom — raised their hands in protest. He added that even members of the judiciary have expressed concern over the proposal.
Amarasuriya described the government’s decision as “unintelligent” and warned that it amounts to a serious blow to judicial independence. He stressed that the Association will take all necessary steps to counter the move, empowered by the unanimous backing of its membership.
Calling the proposal “a crime,” he cautioned that any attack on the judicial system could have long‑term consequences. He further noted that the changes would create difficulties even for Supreme Court judges, urging the government to reconsider the proposal in light of the BASL’s position. If not, he said, the matter should be put before the people through a referendum.
Despite two months of opposition from the BASL, Amarasuriya said the government has not yet provided an opportunity for discussion. He is scheduled to meet the Minister of Justice today at 5 p.m. to raise the Association’s concerns.
“We will do our duty even if they forget us,” he said. “Even if they push us aside or throw mud at us, we will continue forward. The Minister is one of us — if he were BASL President instead of a minister, he would have spoken out even more strongly.”
Following the meeting, Attorney‑at‑Law Dayasiri Jayasekara also confirmed that BASL members unanimously rejected the government’s proposal.