The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to fill four vacancies in the Supreme Court and four in the Court of Appeal, immediately and warned that the prolonged delay could undermine the administration of justice and erode public confidence in the judiciary.

The letter sent by BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya expressed concern over the continuing vacancies in the superior courts and called for the appointment process to be expedited.

The letter follows an earlier communication sent on May 25, 2026, concerning a reported proposal to amend the Constitution to increase the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges.

The BASL said the first vacancy in the Supreme Court arose with the retirement of Justice Gamini Amarasekara on June 20, 2025. The subsequent retirements of Justices S. Thurairaja, PC, Kumudini Wickramasinghe and Priyantha Fernando have increased the number of vacancies in the apex court to four, while another four remain in the Court of Appeal.

The Association noted that under Article 107(1) of the Constitution, the President has a constitutional duty to appoint judges to the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. It warned that leaving eight positions vacant has reduced the judicial strength of the two courts by nearly 25%, placing an additional burden on sitting judges and risking further delays in the hearing and determination of cases.

“The failure to fill these eight vacancies has consequences extending beyond the career progression of members of the judiciary. More importantly, it places a significant additional burden on the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, both of which are now required to discharge their judicial functions with close to 25 percent fewer judges than their full complement,” the BASL said.

The Association also cautioned that the continued delay in making appointments could give rise to speculation about the reasons for the inaction and create perceptions that appointments were being withheld to benefit particular individuals.

Such perceptions, it said, could undermine public confidence in both the judicial appointments process and the independence of the judiciary.

The BASL called on the President to complete the appointments without further delay to ensure the effective functioning of the superior courts and maintain public trust in the justice system.

Veteran Sri Lankan singer Mariazelle Goonetilleke passed away in the early hours of yesterday (July 10) at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila, while receiving treatment for an illness. She was 68.

Goonetilleke, renowned for her distinctive Western-influenced pop style and energetic rhythms, was a prominent figure in Sri Lanka’s music industry for several decades.

She gained widespread popularity by blending contemporary fast-paced beats with local musical influences, appealing to audiences across generations. Her dynamic stage presence and unique vocal style made her one of the most recognisable voices in Sri Lankan pop and baila music.

During her illustrious career, she produced a string of popular songs, including ‘Kandy Lamissi,’ ‘Rahasai Sonduru Jeewe,’ ‘Sihina Nelum Mal,’ ‘Nelum Male Pethi Kadala,’ ‘Kumaranane,’

‘Yowun Sihina Loke’ and ‘Pahan Nowana Rayaka.’

Her contribution to Sri Lankan popular music, particularly through her fusion of Western rhythms with local melodies, has left an enduring legacy.

The Court of Appeal yesterday fixed July 17 to consider all intervention petitions filed in support of the writ application by former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director, Suresh Sallay, who is seeking to prevent his arrest and detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) over investigations into the Easter Sunday terror attacks.

The intervention petitions have been filed by Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thera, convener of the National Organisations Collective, Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera and several other parties.

The matter was taken up before Court of Appeal President Justice Rohantha Abeysooriya and Justice Priyantha Fernando.

Deputy Solicitor General Suharshi Herath, appearing for the respondents, submitted that the intervention petitions could be considered only after notice had been issued in respect of the main writ application.

Counsel appearing for the intervening parties argued that the case had generated significant public interest and sought leave to intervene and make submissions.

However, President Justice Abeysooriya observed that the court would first hear the submissions of President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena, appearing for the petitioner, before considering the intervention applications.The court accordingly fixed July 17 for further proceedings.