Justice Preethi Padman Surasena was sworn in as the 49th Chief Justice of Sri Lanka at the Presidential Secretariat, in a ceremony presided over by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. This appointment followed the retirement of former Chief Justice Murdu Nirupa Bidushinie Fernando.
Justice Surasena’s legal career commenced in 1989 when he was admitted to the bar and joined the Attorney General’s Department as a State Counsel. In 2007, he was appointed as a High Court Judge, marking the beginning of his judicial tenure. His elevation continued with his appointment to the Court of Appeal in 2016, where he served as President from 2018 until his promotion to the Supreme Court in 2019. Throughout his career, Justice Surasena has been recognized for his legal acumen and commitment to upholding the rule of law.
In his inaugural address as Chief Justice, Justice Surasena emphasized the necessity of delivering an efficient and effective judicial service to strengthen public trust in the judiciary. He acknowledged the challenges posed by corruption and irregularities within certain court offices and advocated for the digitalization of judicial processes as a means to address these issues. He highlighted that the government is committed to providing the necessary resources to support this digital transformation. Justice Surasena also initiated discussions with key stakeholders, including the Minister of Justice and the President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, to ensure the swift implementation of these reforms.
Justice Surasena’s appointment has been met with both support and criticism. Supporters commend his extensive experience and dedication to the legal profession, while critics have raised concerns regarding his previous decisions and the potential influence of political affiliations on his judicial conduct. Notably, during his tenure as President of the Court of Appeal, he presided over significant cases, including the 2018 constitutional crisis and the contempt of court case involving Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera.
As Chief Justice, Justice Surasena faces the task of navigating these challenges while steering the judiciary towards greater transparency and efficiency. His leadership is anticipated to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s legal system.
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