COLOMBO, July 28 -- The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has accused the government of violating the Constitution by failing to fill long-standing vacancies in the country's superior courts, while raising concerns over the Cabinet-approved proposal to extend the retirement age of judges.

BASL President Attorney-at-Law Rajeev Amarasuriya, appearing on a local TV interview program, said there are currently eight vacancies in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal that remain unfilled despite the President's constitutional responsibility to nominate suitable candidates.

He said the prolonged delay in making the appointments raises serious constitutional concerns.

"The President has a constitutional duty to fill these vacancies. The ...