Posted by Onlanka Information on August 31, 2026 – 8:33 pm
Representatives of 40 skilled organisations and commerce unions in Sri Lanka have joined the Bar Affiliation of Sri Lanka (BASL) in opposing the proposed Twenty-Second Modification to the Structure and known as on the Authorities to withdraw it instantly.
The organisations met on the BASL on Monday (August 31) and adopted a joint assertion supporting the Bar Affiliation’s place on the proposed constitutional modification.
In response to the BASL, the proposed modification seeks to increase the retirement age of judges, together with judges of the Supreme Court docket and Court docket of Attraction.
The teams mentioned such a change might threaten the independence of the judiciary and, consequently, have an effect on the rule of legislation, democracy and the sovereignty of the folks.
Among the many organisations represented have been the Federation of College Lecturers’ Associations (FUTA), Authorities Medical Officers’ Affiliation (GMOA), Railway Station Masters’ Union, Graded Principals’ Affiliation, Academy of Well being Professionals Sri Lanka and School of Medical Laboratory Science Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lanka Affiliation of Medical Laboratory Scientists, Locomotive Officers’ Affiliation, Sri Lanka Affiliation of Authorities Medical Laboratory Technologists, Authorities Union Printers, Postal Commerce Union, Authorities Nursing Affiliation and All Ceylon Administration Service Affiliation have been additionally among the many organisations named within the assertion, along with 24 different skilled organisations and commerce unions.
The joint assertion mentioned judicial energy types a part of the sovereignty of the folks and famous that constitutional provisions coping with the retirement age of Superior Court docket judges are included within the part of the Structure in regards to the independence of the judiciary.
The teams additionally referred to a Supreme Court docket Particular Willpower on the Inland Income (Modification) Invoice, SC/SD/64–71/2022.
In response to the assertion, the Supreme Court docket held in that willpower {that a} constitutional modification affecting the retirement age or interval of workplace of incumbent judges, both instantly or not directly, would have an effect on judicial independence and violate Article 3 of the Structure, requiring approval by the folks at a referendum.
The signatories additionally pointed to opposition to the proposed modification from a number of spiritual, judicial, skilled and authorized organisations.
They included the Maha Sangha, Catholic Bishops’ Convention in Sri Lanka, Church of Ceylon, BASL, Judicial Service Affiliation, Commonwealth Legal professionals Affiliation, LAWASIA, Worldwide Affiliation of Judges, United Nations Particular Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Legal professionals and the French Nationwide Bar Council.
The collaborating organisations unanimously agreed to oppose the proposed Twenty-Second Modification and known as on the Authorities to withdraw it instantly.
Additionally they urged the Authorities to present precedence to filling all present vacancies within the Superior Courts with out additional delay.
The teams mentioned that if the Authorities decides to proceed with the proposed modification, the matter ought to be referred on to the folks for willpower at a referendum.
The BASL mentioned the joint assertion mirrored collective opposition to measures that would undermine judicial independence, whereas the signatories reaffirmed their dedication to defending the independence of the judiciary, the rule of legislation, democracy and the sovereignty of the folks.
