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BASL protests against NPP/JVP-style promotions to judicial officers

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The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has protested against the way the NPP/JVP government promoted judicial officers (magistrates, district judges), judges of the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

The BASL, in a letter dated 29 December, 2025, to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with copies to the Chairman and members of the Constitutional Council, Chief Justice, Justice Minister and Secretary Judicial Service Commission, has emphasised that promotions must continue to be made on the basis of seniority unless a specific demerit in respect of a particular judge or some other compelling circumstances.

The following is the text of the BASL letter:

“The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) wishes to draw Your Excellency’s attention to the process of promotions of Judicial Officers, Judges of the High Court and the Court of Appeal in our country.

Traditionally, promotions within the Judiciary have been granted on the basis of seniority. In the recent past however, there have been occasions where this principle has been departed from.

If seniority has been overlooked on the basis of merit, it is observed, presently there are no clear or established guidelines governing the assessment of merit in granting such promotions in the Judiciary. This absence of transparent criteria risks undermining the fairness and consistency of the process.

The BASL emphasizes the importance of a transparent and fair system in the granting of promotions and appointments in the Judiciary. Such a system is vital to maintaining public confidence in the Judiciary and ensuring that the administration of justice remains impartial and credible.

It is the considered view of the BASL that promotions must continue to be made on the basis of seniority, in keeping with the longstanding practice, until such time there are objective and defensible guidelines governing the assessment of merit.

Accordingly, Seniority may only be disregarded where there exists a specific and recognized demerit in respect of the particular Judge concerned or such other known compelling circumstances that are objectively identifiable. This approach will safeguard both the integrity of the Judiciary and the trust reposed in it by the public.

Accordingly, the BASL respectfully requests Your Excellency to take these considerations into account when deciding upon future promotions in the Judiciary.”


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