Sunday Jun 14, 2026
Sunday Jun 14, 2026
Friday, 12 June 2026 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Opposition Leader
Sajith Premadasa
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday raised concerns in Parliament over what he described as the Government’s prolonged delay in filling judicial vacancies, claiming that four positions each in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal have remained vacant for more than six months.
Raising a question under Standing Order 27(2), Premadasa said the delay had contributed to the retirement of several career judges and questioned the Government’s commitment to institutional reform.
He argued that it was inappropriate for a Government elected on a mandate of system change to allow key vacancies in the higher judiciary to remain unfilled for such an extended period.
Responding on behalf of the Government, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said appointments to the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal are made by the President and that he would provide a detailed response after obtaining information from the Presidential Secretariat.
The Minister assured Parliament that the vacancies would be filled, but said he was unable to provide a timeframe for the appointments.
The exchange comes amid ongoing debate over vacancies in the higher judiciary and concerns about their potential impact on the administration of justice and the functioning of the court system.
