Sri Lanka raises judicial retirement age to tackle massive case backlog

Sri Lankan lawmakers have approved legislation raising the retirement age for judges serving in superior courts, a move aimed at retaining experienced judicial personnel as the system grapples with an unprecedented case accumulation.

The backlog of approximately 1.1 million pending cases has placed significant strain on the country's judicial infrastructure, with many cases languishing in the system for years. The extended retirement age is intended to keep senior judges in active service longer, thereby increasing court capacity and expediting case resolution.

The decision reflects growing concerns about the efficiency of Sri Lanka's court system. With judges leaving service at the current retirement age, the judiciary has faced persistent challenges in processing cases promptly, contributing to delays that affect citizens seeking legal redress.

By retaining more experienced judges for longer periods, officials expect the measure will help alleviate pressure on the court system and gradually reduce the substantial case backlog. The extended tenure is also intended to provide continuity and preserve institutional knowledge within the judiciary.

The parliamentary action underscores the urgency of judicial reform in Sri Lanka, where lengthy case delays have been a longstanding concern affecting access to justice across civil, criminal, and commercial matters.