We Will Use Every Available Legal Avenue - BASL

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has vowed to take all possible measures within its mandate to oppose the Government's proposal to extend the retirement age of judges, warning that the move could undermine public confidence in the country's judiciary and raise serious concerns about judicial independence.

The remarks were made by BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya after meeting representatives of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama, a day after a 24-member BASL delegation led by Amarasuriya and BASL Secretary Nalin Silva met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss the Government's proposed judicial reforms.

During that meeting, the BASL presented its concerns and recommendations regarding the proposal to increase the retirement age of judges. 

However, speaking to the media afterwards, Amarasuriya indicated that the legal community remains firmly opposed to the initiative and is prepared to intensify its response should the Government decide to proceed.

Responding to a question on the BASL's next course of action following discussions with the President, Amarasuriya reiterated the Association's position that the proposal is not in the best interests of the country.

"We maintain that this is not good for the country. It is not good for the people, and it is not good for the future of this nation. It creates a black mark and raises serious doubts regarding the independence of the judiciary."

The BASL President said the Association believes the proposal could have wider implications for Sri Lanka's democratic institutions and future development.

"We believe this will be an obstacle to Sri Lanka's future progress, the future of the Republic and the country's democratic journey. At this point, the decision rests with the Government as to whether it intends to proceed further along this path."

Amarasuriya stressed that if the Government moves ahead with the proposal despite the concerns raised by the legal community, the BASL is prepared to pursue appropriate legal options.

"If that happens, we will resort to the appropriate legal measures available to us."

He also signalled that the Association's opposition could become stronger in the coming weeks if its recommendations are disregarded.

"If the Government proceeds contrary to the principles and positions we have presented, we will oppose it more strongly and more forcefully than ever before. Within the limits of our mandate, we will do everything possible to stop this."

While the Government maintains that the proposal forms part of a broader effort to strengthen the justice sector and improve judicial efficiency, the BASL has repeatedly argued that the measure risks creating uncertainty over judicial independence and public confidence in the judiciary.