Cabinet to Consider Constitutional Amendment Raising Retirement Age of Judges; Draft to Face Supreme Court Scrutiny

A proposal containing key legal reforms, including an increase in the retirement age for all judges in Sri Lanka’s judicial system, is scheduled to be presented to the Cabinet of Ministers today (27).

Since extending the retirement age of Supreme Court and Appellate judges requires a amendment to the Constitution, the draft bill will be published for public notice following Cabinet approval.

Legal experts highlight that once published, any party will have the opportunity to challenge the draft before the Supreme Court for constitutional interpretation. Depending on the court’s ruling, the bill may require a two-thirds special majority in Parliament, or both a two-thirds majority and approval at a national referendum to become law.

This development comes as opposition factions circulate various claims against extending the tenure of judicial officers. The upcoming weeks are expected to provide clear legal determination on the proposed constitutional changes.

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