Appeal Court President’s slot: President-CC see-saw hampers appointment

• The Constitutional Council will meet again on March 23

By Kelum Bandara 

Differences between President Maithripala Sirisena and majority members of the Constitutional Council have further hampered the appointment of the President of the Court of Appeal, it is learnt.   

Presently, Justice Deepali Wijesundera serves as the acting President of the Court of Appeal. President Sirisena recommended justice Kumudini Wickramasinghe to be approved by the Constitutional Council. However, the Constitutional Council that met afterwards did not approve her name.  

In the meantime, President Sirisena has withdrawn the name of Justice Kumudini Wickramasinghe. It is now mired in controversy since there is no constitutional provision for the withdrawal of a name sent by the President to be considered by the Constitutional Council.  

“The Constitutional Council can reject a name. But, there is no provision for the withdrawal of a name,” a source said.   

The Constitutional Council will meet again on March 23. According to the source, the President is likely to send a fresh name to be considered as the President of the Court of Appeal.