The Conseil National des Barreaux (CNB), the statutory body representing attorneys in France, has called on Sri Lankan authorities to refrain from amending the Constitution to extend the retirement age of serving judges, warning that such a move could affect public confidence in the judiciary and its independence.
The resolution was adopted at the CNB’s General Assembly held in Paris, where the organisation expressed concerns that changes to judicial tenure could undermine the principles of an independent judiciary.
The CNB’s position comes in line with concerns previously raised by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), which warned President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that extending the retirement age of judges currently serving on the bench could be perceived as an attempt to interfere with the judiciary.
The BASL, which represents around 25,000 Attorneys-at-Law, had cautioned that such a constitutional amendment at this stage could raise concerns regarding judicial independence. The Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association has also expressed opposition to the proposal, citing internationally recognised principles relating to the independence of the judiciary.
The proposed amendment has drawn attention amid Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to address its economic crisis and strengthen governance institutions. Following the country’s $51 billion external debt default in 2022, France currently co-chairs Sri Lanka’s Sovereign Creditors’ Committee along with Japan and India.
France has also entered into an agreement to restructure €390 million of Sri Lanka’s debt, while the French Development Agency has resumed lending operations in the country.
At the professional level, the CNB and BASL held discussions on 3 June to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at protecting lawyers facing risks and strengthening commitments towards the rule of law.
The CNB has urged Sri Lankan, French and international authorities to use all available mechanisms to safeguard judicial independence and ensure that any constitutional reforms are carried out following proper democratic consultation.