The Bar Association of Sri Lanka has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressing concern over four vacant Supreme Court positions and the retirement of Justice Dhammika Ganepola without promotion consideration, despite his seniority and merit.
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has formally objected to the continued delay in filling Supreme Court vacancies, arguing that the failure to address these positions has resulted in the loss of experienced judicial talent. In a letter dated 17 August and made public over the weekend, the BASL noted that Justice Dhammika Ganepola, a Senior Justice of the Court of Appeal, retired at age 63 in May 2026 without being considered for promotion to the Supreme Court, despite four vacancies existing at that time.
The association emphasised that seniority should remain a priority in judicial appointments and promotions, consistent with longstanding practice, unless specific and objectively identifiable circumstances warrant deviation. The BASL also raised concerns about Justice R. Gurusinghe, the senior-most Court of Appeal judge who was recommended for Supreme Court promotion by former Chief Justice Murdu Fernando in July 2025 but remains unpromoted ahead of his scheduled retirement at month's end.
The BASL further stated that President Dissanayake had assured them during a 12 August meeting that vacant positions would be filled within one month. The association expressed alarm that extended delays in promotions may undermine judicial independence and strain court operations. The letter, signed by BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Nalin De Silva, was copied to the Prime Minister, Speaker, Opposition Leader, and Constitutional Council members, signalling the gravity with which the organisation views the matter.