A delegation of ministers called on the Most Venerable Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatu Chapter yesterday (03) to brief him regarding the proposed Bill to extend the retirement age of judicial officers.
The delegation attending the meeting included Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara and Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr Nalinda Jayatissa.
Expressing his views on the matter, the Malwathu Mahanayake Thera emphasised that if the retirement age of judges is to be extended, the same benefit should be granted to all public servants.
The Chief Prelate pointed out that it is inappropriate to introduce such amendments targeting only one individual or a specific group.
"It would be advisable if there is an age extension for every government official, just as it is for every judge. It is not good to do this by targeting a single individual," the Mahanayake Thera said.
Clarifying the matters before the Chief Prelate, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said that in many countries across the world, the retirement age for judges is set at 70 years or higher.
The Justice Minister said this measure is being taken to safeguard the independence of the judiciary and as a solution to the prevailing shortage of judges.
He pointed out that when applications were called to recruit 50 judges, only 33 candidates applied, making the extension of the retirement age an imperative necessity.
The Ministers also said that the approval of the Attorney General has been received for the Bill, and it is scheduled to be published via Extraordinary Gazette in the near future.
They also assured the Most Ven. Mahanayake Thera that this step is by no means being taken with the intention of targeting any single individual.
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