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Appointments to the Supreme Court: Thoughts of the Bar Association

Published

1 year ago

2025/01/12

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.

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Our focus is on economic stability through fiscal discipline, sustainable debt management, and reforms that enhance productivity and growth – PM

Published

5 hours ago

2026/02/2

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the South Asia Regional Conference of the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC) 2026 held on 2nd of February at the Cinnamon Life, Colombo. The conference is hosted by the Association of Consuls in Sri Lanka and the World Federation of Consuls.

The conference held from 1st to 4th of February, brings together diplomats, business leaders, and policymakers to strengthen regional cooperation and explore new avenues for sustainable development across South Asia.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister noted that selection of Sri Lanka as the venue for this conference holds particular significance at a time when the Government is working closely with international partners to position Sri Lanka as a credible and reliable region.

The Prime Minister also drew attention to Sri Lanka’s vulnerability against climate change, citing the recent impact of Cyclone Ditwah, and commended the support extended to Sri Lanka by the international partners. The Prime Minister emphasized that climate change requires global cooperation, shared responsibility, and innovative solutions.

She further highlighted ongoing efforts to improve public sector efficiency, transparency, and accountability, promote national unity and respect for diversity, and advance digital governance to enhance service delivery and public trust.

The Prime Minister stated,

“The Government of Sri Lanka is committed to addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges through a clear policy framework. Our focus is on economic stability through fiscal discipline, sustainable debt management, and reforms that enhance productivity and growth. At the same time, we are strengthening social welfare programs to support the most vulnerable”.

Addressing at the event, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism MP Vijitha Herath also stated that, the government is committed to recognizing Sri Lanka as a sustainable tourism hotspot in the global platform while positioning Sri Lanka as a stable and reliable international partner.

The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra, FICAC President Nikolaos K. Margaropoulos, President of the Association of Consuls in Sri Lanka Mahen Kariyawasam and Diplomatic corps.

(Prime minister’s media)

News

Development Officers threaten to intensify their protest

Published

23 hours ago

2026/02/2

Thilina Walpola

Protesting Development Officers continued their hunger strike near the Presidential Secretariat, Colombo yesterday (01), for the seventh consecutive day.The protesters, who are members of the Lanka School Development Officers’ Association, are demanding that they be absorbed into the teacher service as they have served as teachers in state-run schools for nearly seven years.

Secretary of the Association, Viraj Manaranga, said the protesters were seeking an urgent meeting with the President. He added that a presidential aide had visited the protest site and offered to arrange for a meeting with the President on 03 Feb., but the union insisted on an earlier date. Manaranga warned that failure to grant a meeting could trigger a massive protest in Colombo today (02).

Four officers participating in the hunger strike have been hospitalised due to deteriorating health, while two more joined the fast on Saturday (31).

In a bid to raise awareness of their grievances, on 30 January a delegation of the All Island Development Officers’ Association visited Most Venerable

Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thera, Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter, and subsequently with the Chapter’s Registrar, Ven. Dr. Medagama Dhammananda Thera. The prelates said promises that had been made to them should be fulfilled.

The protest began on 26 January as a satyagraha, after authorities failed to respond to repeated requests to integrate the officers into the teaching service. The escalation into a fast-unto-death underscores the protesters’ frustration over the prolonged delay

by Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon

News

Auditor General to be appointed tomorrow

Published

23 hours ago

2026/02/2

Thilina Walpola

Bimal

The long-vacant post of Auditor General would be filled on 03 Feb., after months of controversy and delays, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake said on Friday (31) in Kandy.

The Constitutional Council met at the Parliamentary complex on Friday to discuss the appointment but failed to reach a decision on a suitable candidate. The President had previously proposed four names on four separate occasions, all of which were rejected. The Council is now set to consider the fifth nominee.

The post has remained vacant since April 2025, following the retirement of Chulanta Wickramaratne, who served as the 41st Auditor General. More than 10 months have passed without a permanent appointment.

Sources said a female officer in the Auditor General’s Department has been nominated again, though her previous recommendation was rejected due to some allegations against her.

Meanwhile, senior audit officer Dharmapala Gammanpila, with 31 years of service and the department’s most senior official, has received backing from the Mahanayake Theras of the three Nikayas, the Maha Sangha, and several civil society groups for appointment as the 42nd Auditor General.

Sources noted that the three civil society representatives on the Constitutional Council will play a crucial role in the final decision.

by Chaminda Silva and SK Samaranayake