Politics & Government Impact [Former BASL President claims proposed amendment aims to retain select judges for two more years](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pna81INtIx8) This video provides additional context from a former BASL president regarding concerns over the proposed constitutional amendment to extend judicial tenure.

No Consensus Between President and BASL on Proposed 22nd Amendment ⚖️

Source

• Meeting Overview: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met a 20-member delegation from the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) led by President Rajeev Amarasuriya to discuss the proposed 22nd Amendment regarding extending judges' retirement age. The nearly hour-long meeting concluded without reaching an agreement. • Government's Position: The President stated that extending judges' tenure is part of a broader, public-interest reform to enhance judicial efficiency. Key structural plans include: • Expanding CIABOC services to the district level. • Increasing the number of Court of Appeal and High Court judges, with regional Court of Appeal sittings. • Strengthening human resources across the Attorney General’s Department, Sri Lanka Police, and Government Analyst’s Department. • BASL's Concerns: The BASL strongly urged the government not to proceed with the amendment, warning that it severely threatens the independence of the judiciary. While expressing no objection to increasing judge counts, the BASL emphasized that tenure extension lacks demonstrated necessity, calling for broader consultations via a Parliamentary Select Committee before moving forward.

Listen to this article

Duration: 1:17