The government is reportedly planning to bring an impeachment motion after Court of Appeal (CA) Chairman Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne submitted his pension letters to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Justice Karunaratne, who turns 63 on June 16, will step down from his duties in the CA effective February 1.
The government now plans to appoint a senior CA judge to serve as acting CA President until his official retirement.
Meanwhile, the ceremonial sittings for newly appointed judges of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal are scheduled for this week.
The Supreme Court will welcome Jstices Sobhitha Rajakaruna, Menaka Wijesundera, Sampath Abayakoon, and Sampath Wijeratne on Wednesday, while Justices Sarath Dissanayake and Pradeep Hettiarachchi will be introduced at the CA on Tuesday.
The Attorney General’s Department has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over the government’s decision to overlook its nomination for the Supreme Court vacancies, signaling growing tensions within the department.
Several retirements, including those of Chief Justice Murdu Fernando and CA President Karunaratne, are expected this year, prompting ongoing discussions about judicial appointments and succession.
Source – The Sunday Times
