Sri Lanka Tamil party seeks referendum on judicial tenure amendment

The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), a prominent Tamil political party in Sri Lanka, has called for a national referendum regarding a proposed constitutional amendment that would extend the retirement age of judges.

The 22nd Constitution Amendment seeks to increase the retirement age for various judicial levels, including raising the age for superior court judges from 65 to 67 and Court of Appeal judges from 63 to 65. The amendment would also affect High Court, District, and Magistrates' Court judges.

Opposition parties and ITAK argue the change concerns the sovereignty of the people. Meanwhile, UN rapporteur on judicial independence Margaret Satterthwaite has expressed concern, warning that extending the tenure of sitting judges through ad hoc changes could lead to executive and legislative interference. The amendment is currently awaiting Supreme Court verdicts on its constitutionality before proceeding to a second reading in Parliament.