COLOMBO, July 30 -- The Church of Ceylon (Anglican Church in Sri Lanka) has called on the government to immediately withdraw its proposed constitutional amendment to increase the retirement age of judges, warning that the move could undermine judicial independence, the rule of law and public confidence in the country's democratic institutions.

The appeal was made in a joint statement issued by the Bishop of Colombo, Rt. Rev. Dushantha Rodrigo, and the Bishop of Kurunegala and Acting Head of the Anglican Church of Ceylon, Rt. Rev. Nishantha Fernando.

Expressing "deep concern and disappointment" over the Cabinet's decision to proceed with the amendment, the Church said it hopes the President and Cabinet will give due consideration to the ...