Opposition MPs write to Speaker over vacancies in superior courts

Saturday, 13 June 2026 06:33 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A group of Opposition MPs has written to Speaker of Parliament and Constitutional Council Chair Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, expressing concern over prolonged vacancies in Sri Lanka’s superior courts and calling for urgent action to fill the posts.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker, the MPs highlighted that four vacancies remain unfilled in the Supreme Court and a further four in the Court of Appeal, arguing that the positions have remained vacant for an extended period despite constitutional provisions governing appointments to the higher judiciary.

The MPs contended that the delay appears inconsistent with Article 107(1) of the Constitution, which provides for the appointment of judges to the superior courts by the President, subject to the approval of the Constitutional Council.

They requested the Constitutional Council to ascertain whether the Chief Justice has formally notified either the Council or the President of the existing vacancies. In the event such notification has not been made, the MPs urged that the reasons for the omission be examined.

The letter warned that the continued existence of vacancies could discourage eligible senior judges from expecting timely consideration for promotion and create uncertainty regarding career progression within the judiciary.

The MPs also raised concerns about equal protection under the law, as guaranteed by the Constitution, arguing that delays in appointments could have broader implications for the administration of justice.

Beyond the impact on individual judges, they cautioned that the vacancies were placing additional burdens on serving judges, affecting the efficient functioning of the courts and potentially undermining public confidence in the judicial system.

The letter further referenced Article 4(c) of the Constitution, which places responsibility on the State to ensure the effective exercise of judicial power through properly constituted courts.

Calling for urgent intervention, the Opposition MPs requested the Speaker, in his dual capacity as Constitutional Council Chair, to bring the matter before both the Constitutional Council and the President for immediate consideration. They also urged that the issue be raised in Parliament as a constitutional concern requiring prompt attention.