BASL urges President to base judicial promotions on seniority

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has requested President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to ensure that future promotions within the Judiciary are made on the basis of seniority, in line with long-established practice.

In a letter addressed to the President, the BASL noted that promotions in the Judiciary have traditionally been granted according to seniority. However, it observed that in the recent past there have been instances where this principle has been departed from.

BASL stated that the letter was sent to draw the President’s attention to the existing process governing the promotion of Judicial Officers, Judges of the High Court and Judges of the Court of Appeal in Sri Lanka. The BASL stressed that promotions should continue to be made on the basis of seniority until such time as objective, transparent and defensible guidelines are introduced to assess merit.

“If seniority has been overlooked on the basis of merit, it is observed that presently there are no clear or established guidelines governing the assessment of merit in granting such promotions in the Judiciary. This absence of transparent criteria risks undermining the fairness and consistency of the process,” the BASL stated in its letter.

The BASL further emphasized the importance of maintaining a transparent and fair system in the granting of promotions and appointments within the Judiciary. It noted that such a system is essential to safeguarding public confidence in the Judiciary and ensuring that the administration of justice remains impartial and credible.

Copies of the letter have been forwarded to the Chairman and Members of the Constitutional Council, Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, and Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara.

The BASL’s letter was signed by its President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Chathura Galhena.