Several senior attorneys have reportedly turned down appointments to the Supreme Court, citing the significant financial sacrifice required to serve on the nation’s highest judicial bench.
According to a report from the Sunday Times, multiple esteemed lawyers from the private bar have declined invitations to fill one of two current vacancies on the Supreme Court.
The primary reason cited is the substantial disparity between their private practice earnings and the official salary of a Supreme Court Justice.
This trend raises concerns for Sri Lanka’s judiciary, as attracting the most qualified legal minds is crucial for upholding the integrity and effectiveness of the justice system, which directly impacts every citizen’s right to a fair trial.
The report indicates that Court of Appeal Justice Ratnapriya Gurusinghe has been recommended to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for one vacancy.
However, the second vacancy remains open, with senior Justice Dhammika Ganepola next in line by seniority but not yet formally nominated.
In parallel actions, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is advancing several key disciplinary and administrative matters.
The JSC has committed to concluding its inquiry into interdicted Colombo High Court Judge Namal Balalle, who faces 417 charges, within six months.
Furthermore, the services of the Nochchiyagama Magistrate have been terminated following a guilty finding in a disciplinary inquiry.
In a significant administrative shift, a total of 106 judicial officers have been transferred, with the changes effective from September 15.
This large-scale reshuffle, alongside the assignment of new recruits, is intended to minimize obstructions and streamline court operations across the island.
In a related development, the Law Students’ Union of Sri Lanka has urgently written to Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena.
They have requested that their oath-taking ceremony be held without delay in the Supreme Court’s temporary premises, arguing that the postponement due to the main building’s renovations causes undue financial hardship for newly qualified lawyers.
