August 20, Colombo (LNW): The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has asked for a planned briefing of Members of Parliament on the proposed extension of judges’ retirement age to be deferred until both Government and Opposition MPs can take part.
In a letter sent on 19 August to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya described the proposed briefing as a significant opportunity for lawmakers to examine an issue with far-reaching constitutional implications.
The BASL said it had anticipated that the proposed constitutional change would be considered through a broad, bipartisan discussion, allowing MPs from across the political divide to hear the legal profession’s concerns before forming their positions.
However, the organisation said developments in Parliament on 19 August had raised doubts about whether Government MPs would participate in the session. It said the Government’s position appeared to suggest that there was currently little scope for a cross-party engagement on the matter.
The Opposition has already voiced firm objections to the proposed amendment, making the BASL’s call for wider participation particularly significant as Parliament considers the implications of changing the retirement age applicable to judges.
According to the BASL, Government lawmakers could also benefit from the briefing, as it would give them an opportunity to hear the profession’s concerns directly and assess the proposed changes independently.
The association therefore urged Premadasa to take steps to postpone the meeting until arrangements could be made to secure participation from MPs representing both sides of the House.
The BASL also expressed appreciation to Premadasa for initiating and pursuing the briefing, describing it as a constructive contribution to the wider constitutional discussion.
Premadasa had earlier said the session was scheduled to take place today at the Parliament complex, where MPs were expected to receive an explanation of the legal and constitutional concerns surrounding the proposed reform.
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