The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has called for the postponement of a proposed briefing for Members of Parliament on the extension of the retirement age of judges until the participation of both government and opposition MPs can be assured.
In a letter dated August 19 to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya said the briefing was timely and important given the national significance of the proposed constitutional amendment.
The BASL said it had hoped the issue would receive bipartisan support, allowing MPs to better understand and objectively consider concerns raised by the legal profession.
However, referring to parliamentary proceedings on August 19, the BASL said the Government’s position appeared to indicate that there was currently no consensus and that there was no apparent interest in allowing government MPs to participate in the briefing.
The Opposition has already expressed strong opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment.
The BASL said the briefing would be particularly valuable for government MPs, enabling them to independently consider the proposed changes and concerns raised by the Bar.
The Association therefore requested Premadasa to postpone the briefing until the participation of both government and opposition MPs could be secured.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said the briefing for MPs is scheduled to be held today at the Parliament Complex.
