Sri Lanka, July 22 -- The proposal to increase the retirement age of judges forms part of the Government's broader efforts to expedite the judicial process, reduce the backlog of Court cases and strengthen public confidence in the justice system, Cabinet Spokesman, Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet press briefing yesterday (21), Dr.Jayatissa said the proposal was not a new one, noting that the issue had been discussed previously, including by a Parliamentary committee that had considered recommendations on raising the retirement age of judges.

He further said that there was a growing public need to expedite Court proceedings, noting that the Government's policy statement also under...