Sajeevani Dilka sworn in as a new Court of Appeal Justice

Ms. Sajeevani Dilka Lakmali Karunaratne officially took oath yesterday (03) afternoon as the new judge of the Court of Appeal, in the presence of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat. Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake was also present at this appointment, which was made to fill a vacancy in the Court of Appeal in accordance with constitutional provisions.

Ms. Karunaratne, who recently joined the Court of Appeal bench, is a senior legal professional who rendered commendable service for a long period as an Additional Solicitor General in the Attorney General's Department prior to her appointment to this position. Having successfully handled numerous complex and important cases on behalf of the government, she is highly regarded by the legal community as an officer with extensive experience in the judicial field.

With the retirement of Senior Judge Rathnapriya Gurusinghe on September 02, concluding his term of service, the number of judicial vacancies in the Court of Appeal increased to 5. To prevent delays in public litigation due to such vacancies in higher courts and to maintain the continuous efficient functioning of the judicial system, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka had previously highlighted the necessity of promptly filling these vacancies to the President in writing.

With Ms. Sajeevani Dilka Lakmali Karunaratne taking oath, the number of vacancies in the Court of Appeal has decreased to 4. The remaining vacancies are expected to be filled in the future based on the approval and recommendations of the Constitutional Council, which is expected to establish the full composition of the Court of Appeal and accelerate the process of delivering justice to the people.