Cabinet of Ministers Spokesperson Dr  Nalinda Jayatissa said that the Government has not considered extending the age of retirement of judges. Fielding questions from the media during the weekly Cabinet briefing yesterday (09), he said that different professional groups have made proposals to increase the age of retirement in general. He said that one of the reasons for these suggestions is that life expectancy in the country has increased.

Also, during the recent economic crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic period, many skilled professionals left the island; because of this, there are discussions as to whether there is a need to retain experienced professionals in the public service for a longer time. Dr  Jayatissa noted that in the past, the retirement age of specialist doctors and dental surgeons in the health sector had been extended from 60 to 63 years. However, this change was not extended to all health workers and even the court did not give permission at the time either. Responding to further queries, he said that there were requests from other professionals in this regard. “But, especially regarding judges, no such decision has been taken yet”. Dr  Jayatissa said that there are discussions between various stakeholders and various proposals have been submitted, but that the Government has not taken any such decision.