The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka has expressed concern over the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution and the Judicature Amendment Bill, stressing that the independence of the Judiciary, the rule of law and the doctrine of separation of powers must be upheld and protected at all times.

In a statement signed by Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka President Bishop Harold Anthony Perera and Secretary General Bishop Anton Ranjith, the Conference said an independent and impartial Judiciary is essential to ensuring justice, protecting fundamental rights, preserving human dignity and safeguarding the common good of citizens.

“The constitutional amendment to increase the retirement age of judges should be designed to further strengthen the independence of the Judiciary. Such an amendment should primarily seek to retain experienced judges, address the shortage of judicial officers and tackle delays in the administration of justice,” the statement said.The Bishops’ Conference stressed that any changes affecting the Judiciary should be carefully considered to ensure that judicial independence and public confidence in the justice system are preserved.