Sri Lankan Buddhist Lawyers’ Association congratulates India’s new Chief Justice

Colombo, May 16 (Daily Mirror) -  The Sri Lankan Buddhist Lawyers' Association has extended its warmest congratulations to the newly appointed 51st Chief Justice of India, Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, hailing his elevation as a historic and deeply inspiring moment for the Buddhist community.

In a warmly worded statement, the Sri Lankan Buddhist Lawyers' Association expressed profound pride in the appointment, emphasising the significance of this milestone as the first time that a Buddhist has assumed the highest judicial office in the Republic of India. 

"This moment is not only a personal triumph,” the statement read, “but a beacon of inclusion, harmony and the enduring relevance of Dhamma in public service.” 

Quoting the Dhammapada, the Association invoked the words “Dhammo hawe rakkhati dhammacārim” highlighting the alignment between the Chief Justice's judicial philosophy and the core tenets of the Buddha’s teachings.

“In the timeless words of the Dhammapada, Dhammo hawe rakkhati dhammacārim. As a venerable guardian of justice, your life and career reflect the noble path of right action (sammā kammanta) and right livelihood (sammā ājīva), which lie at the heart of the Eightfold Noble Path,’ the letter added.

The Association lauded the Chief Justice's unwavering dedication to equity, wisdom and compassion in the administration of justice. They described his judicial journey as one that echoes the spirit of the Buddha’s teachings striving always for the welfare of all sentient beings through fair, balanced and enlightened justice.

In its closing remarks, the Association offered blessings for his tenure, wishing him “clarity of mind, strength of heart, and the serene courage to uphold the Constitution with equanimity and honour.”

The Association’s letter was sent under the signature of its President Uditha Egalahewa, PС.