Opposition MPs write to Speaker over prolonged judicial vacancies in top courts

A group of Opposition Members of Parliament today (12) submitted a letter to Speaker of Parliament, Jagath Wickramaratne, urging immediate steps to fill prolonged vacancies in Sri Lanka’s Superior Courts.

The MPs highlighted that four posts in the Supreme Court and four in the Court of Appeal remain unfilled, a delay they described as inconsistent with Article 107(1) of the Constitution, which requires the President to appoint judges subject to Constitutional Council approval.

The letter requested the Constitutional Council to ascertain whether the Chief Justice had formally notified the Council or the President of the vacancies, and if not, to investigate the reasons for the omission.

Opposition MPs warned that the continued existence of these vacancies could discourage senior judges eligible for promotion, create uncertainty over career progression, and raise concerns about equal protection under the law. 

They further stressed that the vacancies undermine the administration of justice, increase the burden on sitting judges, and erode public confidence in the judicial system.

Citing Article 4(c) of the Constitution, the letter underscored that the effective exercise of judicial power through properly constituted courts is a fundamental constitutional obligation.

The MPs urged the Speaker, in his dual role as head of Parliament and Chairperson of the Constitutional Council, to bring the matter to the attention of both the Council and the President, and to ensure Parliament addresses this constitutional concern. (Newswire)

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