COLOMBO – The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has renewed its call on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to immediately fill eight vacancies in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, warning that the prolonged delay risks undermining the administration of justice and eroding public confidence in the judiciary.
In a fresh letter to the President, the BASL expressed concern over the continued failure to appoint judges to the country’s superior courts, despite having previously raised the issue in correspondence dated May 25. The earlier letter also referred to reports of a proposal to amend the Constitution to increase the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges.
The Association noted that the first vacancy in the Supreme Court arose following the retirement of Justice Gamini Amarasekara on June 20, 2025. Since then, three additional vacancies have emerged with the retirements of Justices S. Thurairaja, Kumudini Wickramasinghe and Priyantha Fernando. The Court of Appeal is also currently operating with four vacant judicial positions.
The BASL reminded the President that, under Article 107(1) of the Constitution, the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal is a constitutional responsibility vested in the Head of State.
It said the eight unfilled positions have reduced the combined judicial strength of the two courts by approximately 25%, placing a significant additional burden on sitting judges and increasing the risk of delays in the hearing and disposal of cases.
“The consequences of these vacancies extend beyond the professional advancement of members of the judiciary,” the BASL said, adding, “More importantly, they have a direct impact on the administration of justice and the timely determination of matters before the superior courts.”
The association warned that the continued delay in making appointments could also fuel speculation about the reasons for the inaction, potentially creating a public perception that appointments are being withheld to serve the interests of particular individuals.
“Such perceptions could seriously undermine public confidence in both the independence and integrity of the judicial appointments process, as well as the judiciary itself,” the BASL said.
The BASL urged the President to complete the appointment process without further delay, saying the vacancies should be filled urgently to strengthen the justice system, improve the efficiency of the superior courts and restore public confidence in the independence of the judiciary.
-ENCL
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