Sri Lanka, Sept. 26 -- A central issue in the debate over Sri Lanka's proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution has been the retirement age and tenure of Superior Court judges, with arguments focusing on judicial independence, the retention of experienced judges and the possible impact on delays in the administration of justice.

The Supreme Court has determined that the Bill does not require approval at a referendum and can be passed by a special majority in Parliament. During the hearings, the Government and Government-backed intervenient petitioners highlighted what they described as the potential benefits of the proposed changes, particularly the contribution of senior judges' experience and expertise to judicial efficiency. Howeve...