The International Association of Judges (IAJ), the world’s largest global organization representing national judges’ associations, has expressed serious concerns over Sri Lanka’s proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges by two years.

In a statement, the IAJ said its concerns were not about the concept of changing the retirement age itself, but rather the timing, manner of introduction, and the widely perceived purpose of the proposed legislation.

The organization said constitutional changes affecting the judiciary should be introduced through a “reasoned, principled, consultative, and robust procedure” rather than by what it described as an arbitrary and ad hoc announcement, warning that such an approach threatens judicial independence.

The IAJ also noted concerns that the proposal is widely perceived as being designed to benefit specific judicial officers, stating that such perceptions undermine public confidence in the independence of the judiciary, regardless of the government’s actual intentions.

The association said it shares concerns previously expressed by the Judicial Service Association of Sri Lanka and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association.

Calling on the Sri Lankan government to reconsider the legislation in its current form, the IAJ said it would continue to closely monitor developments in the country.

Founded in 1953 in Salzburg, Austria, the International Association of Judges represents 93 national judges’ associations from five continents and is dedicated to safeguarding judicial independence, promoting the rule of law, and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.