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Appointments to the Supreme Court: Thoughts of the Bar Association
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has called for the implementation of transparent and merit-based criteria in appointing judges to the Supreme Court. In a letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the BASL highlighted the need for appointments to adhere to seniority, eligibility, and competence.
The BASL emphasized the significance of these appointments, citing their lasting impact on the judiciary and the legal framework of the country. “Proper and valid criteria must be followed to ensure that these appointments are transparent and evident to all,” the letter stated.
The letter dated Jan 08 and signed by BASL President Anura B Meddegoda PC said: The appointment of judges to the apex courts is a matter of vital concern to the judiciary, members of the Bar and indeed to all citizens of the country. It is unnecessary to emphasize that it is the judges of the apex court who would determine the law that affects all citizens and who finally decide on the rights of the citizens. It is absolutely essential that proper and valid criteria are followed in making appointments to the apex courts and that it should be transparently evident for all to see.
It is the position of the BASL that appointments to to apex courts should be made on the basis of seniority, eligibility and merit.
The BASL points out that at present there are four vacancies in the Supreme Court and that in making these appointments, a lasting impact could be made on the judiciary and the legal system.
Therefore, it is the considered position of BASL that these appointments must be not merely according to the letter of the law, but also in keeping with the highest levels of transparency and accountability, which we as lawyers demand of all other appointments in this country.
In fact, at the last meeting of the Bar Council held on Saturday 21st December 2024, it was unanimously decided to convey to the President, guidelines formulated and unanimously ratified by the Bar Council in 2014 on appointments to the Apex Courts.
The said recommendations are as follows:
1. The criteria for the appointment of persons to Supreme Court should include-
a. The person to be appointed should have an impeccable record of integrity and be of unimpeachable character
b. The person to be appointed should be independent and be perceived to be independent.
c. The person to be appointed possesses the required competence and ability to function as a judge of the Supreme Court and should be manifestly clear of his/her services as a member of the judiciary, member of the official or unofficial Bar.
2. When making appointments to the Supreme Court, the President should consult His Lordship the Chief Justice, the Attorney General and the President of the BASL.
3. Appointments to the Supreme Court from the Court of Appeal be made in line with the seniority of the incumbent judges unless there is a manifest good reason for not following this practice.
4. Appointments to the Supreme Court from the Official Bar should ordinarily be made in line with the seniority of the office of Solicitor General or Senior Additional Solicitor General.
5. Appointments to the Supreme Court from the Unofficial Bar should be ordinarily from amongst Attorney’s-at-Law who have actively practised as counsel for minimum of 25 years.
It is in the best interest of the Supreme Court and the country that due consideration should be given to the fact that appointments to the Supreme Court be made by the judiciary, the official Bar and the unofficial Bar.
In the interest of furthering good governance, strengthening the rule of law and promoting the independence of the judiciary, I on behalf of the Bar, urge Your Excellency to give due consideration to these recommendations,” said the letter.
Suspect also wanted for child abuse: Extradition process underway
Among seven persons arrested in the United Kingdom for people smuggling is a Sri Lankan wanted by French authorities for the rape of a child.
UK’s National Crime Agency said that it collaborated with police and international partners in INTERPOL’s largest-ever operation targeting people smuggling and human trafficking.
Operation Liberterra III was led by the NCA’s Joint International Crime Centre (JICC) and targeted offenders wanted for a range of crimes who had entered the UK illegally.
Officers from the National Extradition Unit at the JICC made five arrests across London, Bedfordshire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester.
Those arrested included:
A 30-year-old Sri Lankan man arrested in Liverpool and wanted in France for the rape of a child
A 38-year-old Iraqi man wanted for rape in Germany arrested in Greater Manchester
A 29-year-old Egyptian man wanted for murder in France arrested in Bedfordshire
A 41-year-old Syrian man arrested in Greater Manchester and wanted in Germany for organising illegal small boat crossings
A 30-year-old Bulgarian man arrested in London for human trafficking and wanted in France
Greater Manchester Police teams also made two arrests across the county during the operation which was held between 10 and 21 November last year.
A 23-year-old Ukrainian man wanted in Germany for sexual exploitation
A 31-year-old Romanian man wanted in Romania for sexual exploitation
Extradition proceedings are underway for all seven suspects.
The NCA website quoted its Deputy Director of International Rick Jones as having said: “This global operation is a prime example of our commitment to working closely and effectively with international partners to tackle people smuggling and human trafficking.
“We were proud to host the European Co-ordination Unit and used a range of our specialist capabilities to gather and disseminate intelligence to law enforcement agencies across the world, and to enable our officers to identify, locate and detain offenders wanted overseas.
“As a result, seven suspects wanted in connection to serious offences have been removed from our communities and extradition proceedings are ongoing to ensure they face justice.”
Globally, 3,744 suspects were arrested including 1,800 for human trafficking and migrant smuggling offences.
Addressing a gathering of the world’s consular community, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath issued a pointed, diplomatic request yesterday for the enhanced protection of Sri Lankan citizens abroad, a message delivered against the backdrop of a recent alleged assault on Sri Lankan fishermen by the Indian Coast Guard.
The occasion was the inauguration of the FICAC 2026 South Asia Regional Conference, hosted by The Association of Consuls in Sri Lanka together with the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC) at Cinnamon Life.
Minister Herath, while outlining Sri Lanka’s foreign policy of “non-alignment, strategic autonomy, and constructive engagement,” directly tasked the honorary consul community with a critical role. “I request the honorary consul community to maintain a continued and enhanced focus on safeguarding the rights and welfare of Sri Lankan nationals in respective jurisdictions,” he stated.
The appeal carries significant weight following recent media reports which detailed claims by a group of fishermen from Wennappuwa that they were assaulted by uniformed Indian Coastal Guards. The incident, alleged to have occurred partly in Sri Lankan territorial waters, resulted in hospitalisations and has been referred to the Foreign Affairs Ministry and Navy for investigation. Minister Herath’s carefully calibrated statement before the international audience underscored the government’s proactive but diplomatic approach to citizen welfare overseas.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, who also addressed the inaugural session, framed Sri Lanka as a nation on a resurgent path. She thanked FICAC for selecting Sri Lanka, noting the choice reinforces the country’s returning credibility under President AKD’s administration.
“Fiscal management is in good control with contained inflation and increased reserve levels and global confidence is returning as the country is moving towards stability, expanded economic activity and inclusive growth,” the Prime Minister stated. She also acknowledged the severe challenge posed by climate change, citing Cyclone Ditwah, and thanked the international community for its support during the disaster, which helped quickly revive the tourism sector.
Both leaders positioned the consular network as indispensable partners in Sri Lanka’s recovery and global re-engagement. Minister Herath emphasised their role in bridging “governments, businesses and communities,” while the Prime Minister stated such forums help reconsolidate the support of global actors.”
The three-day FICAC conference brings together consular officials from across South Asia, focusing on their unique role in facilitating diplomacy, trade, and legal cooperation outside traditional embassy channels.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has reached agreement with Sri Lanka to strengthen the country’s Thriposha nutrition programme through climate-resilient, locally sourced food systems.
According to the Korean Embassy here the agreement formalised a USD 10 million partnership that would enhance domestic production of high-quality maize, reduce reliance on imports, and reinforce the sustainability of Sri Lanka’s flagship nutrition intervention for children and mothers. The agreement in this regard reflected the shared commitment of the Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka to advancing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development outcomes, the Embassy stated.
The agreement was signed in the presence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka Ms. Miyon Lee, the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Dr. Upali Pannilage, Country Representative, World Food Programme (WFP) Philip Ward, and senior representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Trade, Sri Lanka Thriposha Limited, demonstrating the commitment by all relevant stakeholders of this unique project.
Crown Princess’s son arrested for alleged assault before rape trial in Norway
Shower will occur in the Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya and Matale districts
Interpol crackdown: Sri Lankan man among seven arrested in UK for human smuggling
Sri Lanka calls on global consular corps to protect nationals amid fishermen incident
Korean boost for Thriposha programme: Partnership worth USD 10 mn
Development Officers’ Association steps up protest campaign
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