By Ceylon Signal 
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has indicated that it holds no policy‑level objections to proposals such as increasing the number of judges or extending the retirement age of judges, but has recommended that these matters be examined further with the aim of reaching a broad consensus. This position was highlighted in a statement issued by the Presidential Media Division (PMD) following a meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and BASL representatives.
The discussion, which lasted close to an hour, centred on the 22nd Amendment—particularly the provision related to extending the retirement age of judges. According to the PMD, BASL officials presented their views and recommendations on the amendment during the meeting.
The PMD further noted that President Dissanayake emphasised the amendment is only one component of a wider set of reforms intended to address systemic issues within the judicial framework. He stressed that the proposal does not represent his personal opinion or the singular stance of the government, but rather forms part of a broader reform agenda.
Here is a faithful, formal English translation of Sinhala letter
Presidential Media Division
Meeting Between the President and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka
A meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) was held this afternoon (12) at the Presidential Secretariat.
During the discussion, which lasted for nearly an hour, attention was drawn to the 22nd Constitutional Amendment concerning the extension of the retirement age of judges, and the BASL presented its views and proposals on the matter.
The President, who paid close attention to all points raised, explained the Government’s position and the measures planned to strengthen the country’s judicial system.
Highlighting that the process of delivering justice does not occur solely within the courts, the President noted that it is an integrated mechanism involving investigations, filing of cases, and adjudication. Accordingly, he stated that the Government is working to enhance the human resources of institutions such as the Attorney General’s Department, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), the Sri Lanka Police, and the Government Analyst’s Department.
He further stated that plans are underway to expand CIABOC’s services to the district level, increase the number of Court of Appeal judges, and provide the necessary infrastructure to operate Court of Appeal sittings on a provincial basis for the convenience of the public.
The President also pointed out that steps are being taken to increase the number of High Court judges and provide the required physical facilities for the courts to ease the public’s access to justice.
Therefore, the President emphasized that the decision regarding the extension of the retirement age of judges is not one taken for the benefit of an individual or a group, but for the greater good of the country.
He further noted that this amendment is only one component of a broader set of reforms aimed at resolving systemic issues, and that it does not represent his personal opinion or a unilateral position of the Government.
Representatives of the BASL stated that they have no policy-level objection to increasing the number of judges or extending the retirement age of judges, and proposed that it would be appropriate to further examine the matter and reach a common consensus.
Minister of Justice and National Integration Hashan Nanayakkara, President’s Counsel J.M. Wijebandara, and BASL President Rajiv Amarasinghe, along with several senior representatives of the BASL, participated in the discussion.
Presidential Media Division