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AG’s Dept. lawyers rebut Judicial Services Association stand on new HC judge

Published

3 years ago

2023/07/2

The Legal Officers’ Association of the Attorney General’s Department, on Thursday (28) noted with concern a letter sent by the Judicial Service Association (JSA) of Sri Lanka, addressed to the President, opposing the appointment of a Senior State Counsel of the Attorney General’s Department, Nayani Kasturiratne, as a High Court judge on the basis that the officer was a junior officer.

“The facts stated in the aforesaid letter are factually incorrect. It is a matter of regret that the JSA should make representations that do not accurately represent all material facts when stating that the officer from the Attorney General’s Department is “a far junior

officer compared to the judicial officers who are next in line in judicial seniority”. It has long been the tradition that officers of the Attorney General’s Department have enriched the judiciary, at various levels, and there are more appointments to be made to the judiciary in the near future,” the Legal Officers’ Association said in a statement.

Given below is the statement:

“Four new High Court judges were appointed recently. Among those appointed was a former Senior State Counsel, having 16 years of experience in the Attorney General’s Department, who had been nominated by the Attorney General for this judicial position.

“The Legal Officers’ Association expresses its appreciation that one of its officers has been recognized for this judicial office. Officers of the Attorney General’s Department have wide experience in both the civil and criminal courts as well as in original and appellate courts. They are exposed to high profile litigation and are often opposed to the best in the profession.

They are in court on a daily basis and carry a large volume of work often appearing in multiple cases on a single day. These officers also perform other duties such as providing advice to government departments and corporations and appear in commercial arbitrations, international arbitrations and before various other tribunals and participate in international conferences and workshops. They are also subject to continuous training and most officers at the rank of Senior State Counsel and above hold Masters Degrees in Law.

“In this background the Legal Officers’ Association notes with concern that it was reported that the Judicial Service Association (JSA) of Sri Lanka had addressed a letter to His Excellency the President opposing the appointment of the aforesaid Senior State Counsel as High Court judge on the basis that the officer was a junior officer. This position is factually inaccurate. The Officer nominated by the Attorney General had 16 years of service in the department and had a vast experience supervising officers in the circuits as well as in Colombo.

In comparison, one of the officers from the career judiciary who was appointed as a judge of the High Court last week also had 16 years of experience in the judiciary and had only a few more months’ experience in judicial service than the nominee of the Attorney General. It is a matter of regret that the JSA should make representations that do not accurately represent all material facts when stating that the officer from the Attorney General’s Department is “a far junior officer compared to the judicial officers who are next in line in judicial seniority”. It has long been the tradition that officers of the Attorney General’s Department have enriched the judiciary at various levels. It is thus that the judiciary is composed of judges with a wide and varied experience drawn from the official bar, the un-official bar and the career judiciary. It would be inimical to the interests of having a competent judiciary with a wide range of experience to give to one source of judicial appointments priority over another.

The Legal Officers’ Association of the Attorney General’s Department resolves that these concerns be communicated to his Excellency the President, His Lordship the Chief Justice and the Judicial Service Commission, for consideration in the making of future judicial appointments.”

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Navy seizes a consignment of narcotics and apprehends 06 suspects in offshore operation

Published

5 hours ago

2026/03/8

Priyan

Answering to the call of the national mission ‘A Nation United,’ the Navy has tightened its grip on the island’s maritime boundaries.

Striking deep in the southern waters, a successful naval mission
resulted in the seizure of a local fishing trawler and six (06) suspects, foiling a major drug smuggling attempt.

The intercepted trawler, carrying 02 suspicious sacks, and suspects were escorted to the Dikowita Fisheries Harbour today (08 Mar 26).

A specialised inspection conducted by the Police Narcotic
Bureau (PNB) confirmed that the sacks contained more than 102kg of heroin and over 900g of cocaine.

The detection was inspected on-site by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), alongside the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda.

Speaking on this occasion, the Deputy Minister emphasized that under the guidance of the President and the supervision of the Ministry of Defence, the Tri-Forces, Police, and intelligence
agencies have intensified the “A Nation United” national mission, leaving no stone unturned.

He noted that during 2025, the tri-forces and police, in coordination with domestic and international agencies, conducted numerous successful operations. Notably, the Navy seized over 75 billion rupees worth of narcotics.

Despite national disasters and the escalating global conflicts
and growing reports of vessel distress in Sri Lankan waters, the Sri Lanka Navy stands vigilant around the clock, tirelessly fulfilling its critical mission in alignment with international maritime conventions.

Accordingly, the Deputy Minister commended, on behalf of the President, the Navy’s vital role in ensuring public safety and protecting the youth from drugs.

Adding further, he declared drug trafficking has become a major menace, stressing that all of society, not just authorities, must help eradicate it. He urged traffickers and dealers to quit the trade, noting that drugs cannot enter the country by sea or air. Addicts were also urged to do away with the habit, as a huge amount of money is spent on their rehabilitation.

The Deputy Minister further stated that the toxic drugs seized will remain in highly secure custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings, and arrangements have been made to destroy a large quantity of toxic drugs and case exhibits for which legal proceedings have been completed.

He also emphasized that law enforcement agencies have been granted the opportunity to operate independently. Accordingly, the public was urged to provide information regarding drug
traffickers via the hotline numbers 1818 and 1997.

Additionally, the event acknowledged the responsible journalism carried out by media institutions and journalists in raising public awareness about the drug menace.

The multi-day fishing trawler, along with the haul of narcotics and 06 suspects was handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for further investigation and legal proceedings.

Latest News

Our goal is to build a “Thriving Nation” where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity – PM

Published

17 hours ago

2026/03/8

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarsooriya in her message on International Women’s Day 2026 says that the governments goal is to build a Thriving Nation where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity.

The PM’s message:

“I extend my greetings to all sisters and daughters in Sri Lanka and around the globe on the occasion of International Women’s Day.This year, the United Nations has declared the global theme for International Women’s Day as “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” emphasizing the realization of rights, the delivery of justice, and meaningful action for all women and girls.

Women are the true pillar of Sri Lankan society and economy. The role they play within the family and in society has today become a decisive factor in shaping the future of our nation. Through the Government’s policy statement, “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,” we envision going beyond treating women as mere beneficiaries and recognizing them as active partners in national development, ensuring that they receive the dignity and opportunities they rightfully deserve.

Within our policy framework, special focus has been placed on women. We are committed to recognizing the economic contribution extended by women as housewives, promoting women’s entrepreneurship, and expanding access to the technical and financial support necessary for self-employment alongside strengthening the legal framework required to ensure women’s safety in public transport, workplaces, and within the family environment. Further, we are taking steps to create the environment to increase women’s representation in decision-making bodies at national and regional levels. Special attention is also being given to implementing targeted programmes aimed at improving women’s nutrition, reproductive health, and mental well-being.

Women are not a group seeking sympathy; they are vital social partners endowed with intelligence, resilience, and creativity. Our goal is to build a “Thriving Nation” where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity

On this International Women’s Day, I sincerely hope that it marks the beginning of a new era in which the aspirations of all women in our country are realized as they shine before the world.

Latest News

Heat Index at Caution Level in the Sabaragamuwa, North-western and North-central provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha, Vavuniya, Mannar, Hambantota and Monaragala districts

Published

17 hours ago

2026/03/8

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. on 07 March 2026, valid for 08 March 2026.

Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Sabaragamuwa, North-western and North-central provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha, Vavuniya, Mannar, Hambantota and Monaragala districts

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 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.