Members of Parliament should be adequately remunerated if Sri Lanka is to attract capable and qualified individuals into politics, President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), Rajeev Amarasuriya, has said.

Addressing the Annual Youth Law Conference 2026, Amarasuriya said that while reforms to the country's electoral system may be necessary, improving the remuneration of parliamentarians is equally important to encourage competent professionals to enter public service.

He also stressed the importance of protecting the independence of the judiciary, warning against rushed constitutional reforms.

Reflecting on Sri Lanka's development since independence, Amarasuriya said the country had made significant progress despite facing longstanding governance challenges.

“Over the last 70-odd years, Sri Lanka has certainly made progress and achieved considerable development. Compared with many African countries—and even India in several respects—we are well ahead. We have a free education system and a healthcare system which, in many ways, is better than what you find in London.

“Having said that, we have also faced many challenges. Corruption has been widespread. But beyond corruption, the inefficiency of many of our public institutions has imposed enormous costs on the country, although these often go unnoticed.”

He said reforms to the electoral system should make it easier for capable individuals to enter Parliament, but added that remuneration also plays a critical role.

“Perhaps the electoral system must change to make it easier for people to enter Parliament. However, those who are elected must also be properly remunerated. If Members of Parliament are not adequately paid, good people will simply not enter politics.”

Amarasuriya also cautioned against what he described as "democratic backsliding," warning that democratic institutions can gradually weaken if proper constitutional safeguards are not maintained.

“Constitutionalism bridges the divide by placing safeguards to ensure that democracy does not trample over fundamental rights. We often hear the term ‘democratic backsliding.’ Although we are a democracy, we sometimes fail to realise that democratic institutions can be slowly and systematically weakened.”

The BASL President reiterated the association's position on safeguarding judicial independence, particularly in relation to the government's proposal to extend the retirement age of judges.

“The Bar Association remains firmly committed to protecting the independence of the judiciary. We believe that the proposed extension of the retirement age of judges should not be introduced in a hurried manner or as a knee-jerk reaction. Nor should it be tailored to suit particular individuals or specific circumstances. Any such reform must be carefully considered and implemented through a proper process.”

Concluding his remarks, Amarasuriya said Sri Lanka possesses the potential for a strong economic and institutional turnaround, provided the country is guided by capable leadership and long-term vision.

“Sri Lanka is like an underperforming company. It can be turned around quite easily, but it requires good faith, ability, and a clear vision.”