News
20 new Superior Court judges sworn in – six to SC and 14 to CA
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday (1) pledged to guarantee judicial independence. Marking a new milestone in the judicial system of the country, 20 new superior court judges were sworn in before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat.
They comprised six new Judges of the Supreme Court and 14 new Judges of the Court of Appeal
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, addressing the gathering, pledged to support the independence of the judiciary and ensure its functioning is free of politicization and other forms of interference.
“The judicial cadre of both the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal has remained static since 1978. Although the necessity of increasing the number of judges in the superior courts has been mooted several times in the past, the number of judges in both courts has remained the same for over 40 years. There have been many an advancement in the law and litigation has increased exponentially in this time. However, there has not been a corresponding increase in the number of judges”.
The efficient administration of justice is not only important in terms of upholding the rule of law, it is also vital to the economic development of this nation, President said adding that reliable, efficient and effective dispute resolution through the justice system will foster the nation’s progress.
Chief Justice Jayantha C Jayasuriya, Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera and Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga were also present.
Judges appointed to the Supreme Court:
1. Justice A. H. M. Dilip Nawaz
2. Justice Kumudini Wickremasinghe
3. Justice Anthony Lalith Shiran Gooneratne
4. Justice Janak de Silva
5. Justice Arachchige Achala Uthpalavarna Wengappuli
6. Justice Mahinda Abeysinghe Samayawardhena
Justice Arjuna Obeysekara was sworn in as the President of the Court of Appeal.
Judges appointed to the Court of Appeal
1.Justice Menaka Wijesundera
2.Justice D.N. Samarakoon
3.Justice M Prasantha de Silva
4.Justice M.T.M. Laffar
5.Justice C. Pradeep Keerthisinghe
6.Justice Sampath B. Abayakoon
7.Justice M. S. K. B. Wijeratne
8.Justice S. U. B. Karalliyadde
9.Justice R. Gurusinghe
10.Justice G. A. D. Ganepola
11.Justice K. K. A. V. Swarnadhipathi
12.Justice Mayadunne Corea
13. Justice Prabaharan Kumararatnam
14. Justice W. N. N. P. Iddawala
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha and Monaragala districts during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 02 May 2026, valid for 03 May 2026
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha and Monaragala districts during the day time.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on the human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April
Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.
Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.
The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.
Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
Heat Index at ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha and Monaragala districts during the day time
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