Tensions between Sri Lanka’s Executive and Legislature have escalated with the judiciary entering the fray, triggered by the Constitutional Council’s rejection of a Supreme Court judge appointment. Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena cited a lack of majority support in the Council, exacerbating the standoff with President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Amidst this crisis, a legal challenge has been filed in the Supreme Court contesting the Council’s decision. Meanwhile, the Speaker informed the President of the Council’s opposition to the appointment, citing five out of nine members against it, including himself.
The Constitutional Council, comprising ten members, currently operates with nine members due to the absence of a representative from minor parties. Its composition includes parliamentary leaders, nominees from the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the President, as well as civil society representatives.
Reports suggest that only Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, his nominee MP Sagara Kariyawasam, and President’s nominee Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva support the President’s recommendation, exacerbating the deadlock.
This impasse also raises concerns about the potential delay in extending the tenure of Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, whose appointment is subject to CC approval after the initial three-month period.
