COLOMBO, July 22 -- The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has called on Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara to suspend plans to amend the Constitution to increase the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges until comprehensive consultations are held with key stakeholders.

In a letter dated July 16, 2026, the BASL said the proposed constitutional amendment carries "profound implications" for judicial independence, the administration of justice and the rule of law, and urged the government to carefully consider concerns raised by the legal profession, members of the judiciary and both local and international legal organizations.

The BASL said it had previously sought clarification from the m...