The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Association (SLRSMA) has expressed its full support to the stance taken by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) regarding the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, stressing that safeguarding the independence of the judiciary, the rule of law, separation of powers and the sovereignty of the people is a responsibility of the entire civil society and not of any single professional group.
Issuing a statement, the SLRSMA said it closely followed the position adopted by the BASL as well as the legal and constitutional steps being taken in relation to the proposed amendment.
The Association said matters concerning changes to the tenure or retirement age of judges of superior courts cannot be treated merely as a routine administrative amendment. It stressed that the procedure through which such changes are introduced, their timing, the current officeholders to whom they may apply, and their potential impact on public confidence in judicial independence must be considered with the utmost caution.
The SLRSMA further stated that in a democratic state, it is essential not only that justice is done, but also that it is clearly seen by the public to be administered independently, impartially and without external influence.
The Association said that when altering the legal framework regarding the tenure of judges, it is imperative to ensure that no doubt or precedent is created that could harm this fundamental trust.
It acknowledged that delays in the judicial system, case backlogs and issues relating to efficiency require solutions. However, it stressed that measures adopted to address such administrative or systemic problems should not be implemented in a manner that undermines the institutional independence of the judiciary or public confidence in it.
The SLRSMA also said a democratic society must provide space for criticism of judicial decisions and for shortcomings in the judicial system to be questioned lawfully. However, it emphasized that solutions to such issues must be pursued through established constitutional and legal procedures while protecting the independence of the judiciary.
Accordingly, the SLRSMA said it fully supports the principled position taken by the BASL with regard to the proposed 22nd Amendment, particularly in safeguarding judicial independence, the rule of law, the sovereignty of the people and the democratic constitutional values of Sri Lanka.
The Association also expressed its support for the reasonable measures taken by the BASL within the constitutional and legal framework concerning the proposed amendment.
It emphasized that the matter is not an issue affecting the legal community alone, but a matter of national importance concerning the rights, freedoms and future democratic governance of all citizens.
The SLRSMA specifically stated that it has taken this position not on behalf of any individual, institution, or political party, but in defence of an independent judiciary, the rule of law and the sovereignty of the people.
