Denied of promotion to SC despite vacancies, justice Gurusinghe retires

President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) Rajeev Amarasuriya, at the farewell to Justice Rathanapriya Gurusinghe of the Court of Appeal, on 1 September, said that the BASL was aware that the former Chief Justice Murdu Fernando, PC, had recommended Justice Gurusinghe for elevation to the Supreme Court. As far as the BASL was aware, that recommendation was still pending at the Office of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Amarasuriya said the BASL had reminded the President, on two occasions, of the pending appointment, but to no avail.

The BASLL statement: It is with a deep sense of pride, and a touch of sadness that we, the Bar, gather here today to bid farewell to Your Lordship Justice Gurusinghe, upon the completion of a long, distinguished and highly respected judicial career.

Your Lordship’s journey in the law is one we have watched with great admiration over the years, a journey that reflects commitment, perseverance, and quiet, unwavering service.

Your Lordship commenced your judicial career on 5th March 1996, and has served as Magistrate / District Judge in Colombo, Nawalapitiya, Gampola, Avissawella, Chillaw, Matara, Matale and Kandy,

Through these appointments, Your Lordship rendered distinguished service to the people of the Republic.

Your Lordship was elevated to the High Court in 2012, with the first appointment as a Civil Appellate High Court Judge in Ampara, and thereafter as High Court Judge in Badulla and the Commercial High Court in Colombo.

On 01st December 2020, Your Lordship was elevated as a Judge of the Court of Appeal and in that capacity contributing to the administration and development of this Court.

During this period, Your Lordship also served as Acting President of the Court of Appeal this year, undertaking the responsibilities of the head of the Court during that period of service.

Over the years, we have watched Your Lordship discharge judicial duties with dignity, patience, and fairness.

Those who appeared before Your Lordship would readily acknowledge the warmth and courtesy extended to Counsel and litigants alike, and the calm and balanced manner in which proceedings were conducted.

The true strength of the Judiciary lies not only in learning and authority, but also in temperament, integrity, and humanity. And of course on the quality and efficiency in the dispensation of justice.

These are qualities that the Bar has witnessed in Your Lordship throughout your years on the Bench, and for which you are held in the highest esteem and deep affection.

Your Lordship has also been a driving force towards meaningful reform within the legal system. It is this spirit of progress and openness to change that we, as members of the Bar and Judiciary alike, must continue to follow and strive towards, in our collective effort to build a more responsive, efficient, and forward-looking administration of justice.

On behalf of the Bar, I wish to place on record our sincere appreciation and gratitude for Your Lordship’s dedicated service to the Judiciary and to the people of Sri Lanka. I am confident that Your Lordship will continue to serve the profession and our system in varied and important capacities.

As the most Senior Justice of the Court of Appeal and one-time Acting President of the Court of Appeal, Your Lordship’s long service as a career judge and Your Lordship’s unblemished record of distinguished service, Your Lordship is eminently suited to be elevated to the Supreme Court.

We are aware that the former Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Murdu Fernando, PC, recommended Your Lordship Justice Gurusinghe, for elevation to the Supreme Court. As far as we are aware, that recommendation is still pending at H.E. the President’s Office.

As Your Lordship knows, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka has reminded H.E. the President on two occasions, but to no avail.

But Your Lordship knows the sentiments of the Bar, and I hope that will provide some consolation to Your Lordship on the eve of Your Lordship’s retirement.

As Your Lordship retires from judicial office, we wish you, with great warmth and affection, good health, happiness, peace, and fulfilment in the years ahead.

While Your Lordship may now leave the Bench, the respect and affection earned through years of honourable service will undoubtedly endure, and Your Lordship will be missed.

We thank Your Lordship, most sincerely, for your contribution to the administration of justice and wish Your Lordship the very best for the future.”