Sri Lanka adopts controversial amendment raising judges' retirement age
Sri Lanka's parliament has passed the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which increases the mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges. The government claims the move is necessary to address a massive judicial backlog, while the opposition argues it threatens judicial independence.
Why it matters
The amendment has sparked significant political tension and legal challenges, raising concerns about the separation of powers and the integrity of the judiciary in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka on Friday (September 25, 2026) adopted the controversial 22nd Amendment to the Constitution which raises the retirement age of judges, despite protests by the opposition.
The amendment raises the retirement age of Supreme Court judges from 65 to 67 years and that of Court of Appeal judges from 63 to 65. It was approved with a two-thirds majority, with 158 members voting for it and 63 against, at the end of the two-day debate.
Speaking on behalf of the government, senior Minister Bimal Ratnayake said the amendment was purely meant to reform the judiciary to ensure swift delivery of justice. “This is not an amendment to extend the life of parliament or to extend the terms of presidents as happened before,” he said.
“We do not want this to keep a stronghold of government as falsely accused by the opposition,” Mr. Ratnayake stressed.
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