The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Association states that it extends its full support to the stance taken by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) regarding the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment.
In a statement issued, the association mentions that safeguarding judicial independence, the rule of law, the separation of powers, and popular sovereignty is not a responsibility limited solely to the legal community, but is the responsibility of the entire citizenry.
The Railway Station Masters’ Association points out that changing the tenure or retirement age of superior court judges cannot be considered a routine administrative amendment.
The association states that how such a change is made, its timeframe, the current officeholders who could be affected by the amendment, and the potential impact it could have on public confidence in judicial independence must be considered very carefully.
They have pointed out that it is not enough for justice to simply be done; it is also an essential condition in a democratic state that it is clearly seen by the public as being dispensed independently, impartially, and free from external influences.
The Railway Station Masters’ Association also emphasizes that when altering the legal framework concerning the tenure of judges, it is essential to ensure that no doubts or adverse precedents are created that would damage public confidence in judicial independence.
Meanwhile, the association has acknowledged that solutions are needed for issues regarding case delays, the backlog of cases, and efficiency within the judicial system.
However, the association also mentions that steps taken to resolve such administrative or systemic issues should not be implemented in a manner that harms the institutional independence of the judiciary or public confidence.
Stating that a democratic society must have the space to criticize judicial decisions and legally question shortcomings in the judicial system, the Railway Station Masters’ Association emphasizes that it is essential to follow established constitutional and legal procedures when seeking solutions to such issues.
Accordingly, the Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Association has stated that it extends its full support to the principled stance taken by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka to protect judicial independence, the rule of law, popular sovereignty, and the country’s democratic constitutional values.
The association states that it will also provide support for the measures taken by the Bar Association within the constitutional and legal framework regarding this matter.
They have also emphasized that this is not an issue concerning only the legal community, but a matter of national importance concerning the rights, freedom, and future democratic governance of all citizens.
The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Association further stated that it is adopting this stance not on behalf of any individual, institution, or political party, but in defense of an independent judiciary, the rule of law, and popular sovereignty