Chief Justice Surasena Assumes Office, Vows to Restore Public Trust Through Digitalization

The ceremonial official reception for the new Chief Justice was held this morning at the Supreme Court complex. Judges from the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, as well as judges from the High Courts, District Courts, and Magistrates' Courts, attended the event. Additionally, a large number of President's Counsel, lawyers from the Attorney General's Department, and other lawyers were also present. Addressing this ceremonial official event, Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena stated that providing efficient service from the courts is essential to enhance public confidence in the judiciary. He also mentioned that the digitalization program would help eliminate corruption and irregularities occurring in some court offices. He further stated that steps have been taken to accelerate the digitalization of the judicial process and that the government has provided the necessary initial provisions for this. He said that he has already commenced discussions with the Minister of Justice, the President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, and several other parties to expedite these activities. He added that the digitalization of judicial proceedings would bring significant relief to both the public seeking court services and lawyers. He also pointed out that this would allow the general public to gain more awareness about court proceedings. Chief Justice Surasena expressed his pleasure at being appointed the 49th Chief Justice of Sri Lanka, having entered the legal profession without a family legal background. He thanked the President and the Constitutional Council for recommending his name for the position. The new Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena appealed to the legal community to join hands with him to effectively provide judicial services to the public. Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, welcoming the new Chief Justice, stated that the current Chief Justice began his professional career as a public servant in the Attorney General's Department and has rendered immense service to the judicial field. The Attorney General noted that the Chief Justice has delivered several highly controversial judgments in the country's history, which clearly reflect his extensive knowledge and experience. President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, Rajiv Amarasuriya, also expressed his views welcoming the new Chief Justice.

Notable Judgments of Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena

Throughout his judicial career, the new Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena has delivered several controversial judgments. While serving as a High Court Judge, his notable judgments include:

• Sentencing Gampola Vidanage Samantha Kumara alias 'Welesuda', a notorious drug trafficker, to death.
• Sentencing the accused in the Mirisuvil massacre case.
• Sentencing five Indian nationals who transported drugs in the Northern seas to death. Additionally, during his tenure as a Court of Appeal Judge, Mr. Surasena issued several controversial judgments, such as:
• Revoking the parliamentary seat of MP Geetha Kumarasinghe due to dual citizenship.
• Convicting and sentencing Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero on charges of contempt of court.
• Issuing an interim injunction preventing the cabinet headed by Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was appointed Prime Minister by President Maithripala Sirisena after the removal of Ranil Wickremesinghe from the premiership of the Good Governance government, from continuing to function. Furthermore, even after his appointment as a Supreme Court Judge, Mr. Surasena has delivered several more controversial judgments:
• The decision to invalidate the presidential pardon granted to former Member of Parliament Duminda Silva, who was on death row for the murder of Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra.
• Issuing an interim injunction to the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance to release the funds allocated in the budget for the Local Government Election scheduled for 2023 to the Election Commission.
• Revoking the parliamentary seat of Naseer Ahamed, a cabinet minister in the previous government.
• Halting the unlawful decision to provide a house for former President Maithripala Sirisena to reside in after his retirement.
• Suspending the decision taken by the previous government to hand over the issuance of electronic visas to two private companies. (newscenter)