Seven senior judicial posts remain vacant

Seven senior judicial posts in Sri Lanka remain empty, and no recommendations have yet reached the Constitutional Council, parliamentary sources said.

The vacancies concern the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the process was being handled by the president’s office and referred questions there. He added that he knew nothing about the matter.

One vacancy at the Court of Appeal was recently filled. The Constitutional Council approved Sajeevani Dilka Lakmali Karunanayake, who had been recommended by the president, and the president then appointed her as a Court of Appeal judge. Three names had reportedly been sent to the president for that vacancy, but only Karunanayake was ultimately recommended.

Legal experts attached to political parties said the remaining vacancies were creating major obstacles for judicial work. Parliament also held an extensive discussion on the vacancies recently. Some of the posts have reportedly remained unfilled for more than six months.

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This is a matter handled by the president’s office, so please inquire from that office.