Politics · Singapore Bureau
Sri Lanka extends superior court judges' tenure by two years
Parliament in Colombo has approved a constitutional amendment extending the terms of superior court judges to help reduce case backlogs and ease prison overcrowding following recent prison unrest.
LSN Singapore ·
Sri Lanka's parliament has passed a constitutional amendment extending the tenure of superior court judges by two years, part of a broader effort to address mounting case backlogs in the island nation's judiciary.
The amendment aims to accelerate the resolution of pending cases that have accumulated in courts, a persistent challenge for Sri Lanka's legal system. By retaining experienced judges for an additional two years, lawmakers hope to improve judicial efficiency and case throughput.
The move also addresses prison overcrowding, a critical issue highlighted by deadly riots that have gripped Sri Lankan correctional facilities. Officials believe faster case resolution will reduce prisoner numbers by expediting trials and legal proceedings.
The constitutional amendment was passed as part of a package of reforms aimed at stabilising the nation's justice system and detention facilities during a period of broader institutional challenges.