By Ceylon Signal 
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) says it is hopeful the government will reconsider the proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of judges, following what it described as a “frank and constructive” meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters after the discussion at the Presidential Secretariat, BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya said the Association had outlined in detail the legal community’s concerns over the amendment, stressing that any change affecting the judiciary must follow broad expert consultation.
Amarasuriya said the BASL delegation included senior members of the profession — President’s Counsel, former BASL presidents, academics and legal scholars such as Prof. Savitri Goonesekere and Lal Wijenayake — who collectively presented the Association’s position.
According to Amarasuriya, the President also articulated his own views during the meeting, which he described as “good” and “open,” with both sides exchanging perspectives without hostility.
Call for expert-led process
The BASL’s final request to the President was that a constitutional amendment of this nature should only proceed after consultations involving not just lawyers, but academics, researchers and others who have studied judicial systems and constitutional design.
“This is not a fight against anyone,” Amarasuriya said, emphasising that the Association’s stance was not directed at any individual judge or political figure. He added that the BASL does not condone personal attacks or criticism aimed at members of the judiciary amid the ongoing public debate.
No agreement yet, but optimism after talks
Responding to questions, Amarasuriya said the meeting did not result in any formal agreement. However, he expressed optimism that the President — whom he described as a mature leader with a long-standing commitment to the rule of law — would carefully consider the concerns raised.
He acknowledged that amending the Constitution is within the government’s authority, but noted that the BASL also has a responsibility to voice opposition when it believes a proposed change may undermine judicial independence.
“I hope that after today’s discussion, this will move in a positive direction,” he said.
The BASL now expects the government to initiate a wider consultative process before making a final decision on the amendment.