Govt confirms receiving Mahanayake Theros’ letter on judges’ retirement age

Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa clarified today that the government has explained its judicial reform programme to the Chief Prelates of the three Nikayas, following reports of a letter sent to the President opposing the constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of judges.

Responding to a question at the post- Cabinet media briefing held today, Jayatissa said he and the Minister of Justice met the Chief Prelates of the Asgiriya, Malwathu and Ramanna Nikaya together, and later held discussions with the Chief Prelate of the Amarapura Nikaya.

He explained that the discussions went beyond the retirement age issue, covering the government’s broader judicial reforms aimed at reducing case backlogs, streamlining processes, and improving efficiency. 

Measures outlined included strengthening the Judiciary, Attorney General’s Department, Prisons, Government Analyst’s Department, and Judicial Services Commission; expediting recruitment and filling vacancies; increasing magistrates’ court hearings; establishing new appeal courts; digitalizing institutions; amending laws to address delays; and improving allowances and facilities for judges.

Jayatissa stressed that the extension of retirement age was not targeted at any single individual, but applied across the judiciary from magistrates to Supreme Court judges, covering around 400 judges whose retirement age would be extended by two years.

He added that the Chief Prelates listened to the government’s explanations, acknowledged the reforms, and expressed agreement if the measures would reduce delays and benefit the public. (Newswire)