By Ceylon Signal 
Geneva / Colombo — A United Nations human rights expert has cautioned Sri Lanka that its proposed constitutional amendment to increase the retirement age of superior court judges could undermine judicial independence and erode public confidence in the justice system. (The full announcement can be read below.)
In a detailed communication dated 7 August 2026, Margaret Satterthwaite, the UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, warned that the amendment—reported to raise the retirement age of Supreme Court judges from 65 to 67 and Court of Appeal judges from 63 to 65—may conflict with international human rights standards if implemented in its current form.
According to the letter, the proposal is expected to apply immediately to sitting judges, a move the Rapporteur says could be interpreted as executive or legislative interference in judicial tenure. She noted that judicial tenure is a “core safeguard” of independence, citing obligations under the ICCPR, the UN Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary, and guidance from the Venice Commission.
“The amendment as it stands would reportedly affect the tenure of sitting judges rather than applying prospectively,” the communication states.
The Rapporteur expressed concern that judges who stand to benefit from the extension may later be required to rule on its constitutionality, creating potential conflicts of interest or at least the appearance of bias. She stressed that reforms of this nature must be transparent, inclusive, and accompanied by robust safeguards, especially given the judiciary’s role in checking executive power.
The UN has asked the Government to clarify:
The current draft and status of the amendment
The rationale for applying it to serving judges
Safeguards against political interference
Whether consultations were held with the judiciary, Bar Association, civil society, and experts
Any assessment of the amendment’s impact on public trust
Whether broader justice-sector reforms are planned
The communication will be made public on the UN’s reporting website after 48 hours, along with any response from the Sri Lankan Government.
Sri Lankan officials have not yet issued a public reply.