Who will be the next Chief Justice?

Many rumours are circulating within the legal fraternity with regard to the next Chief Justice as the incumbent Chief Justice Priyasath Dep is set to retire in October.

It is reported that Supreme Court judge Eva Wansundera, the most senior judge after the incumbent, is viewed widely as the next Chief Justice.

Wansundera was sworn in as the Acting Chief Justice when Priyasath Dep was overseas on official engagements.

However, senior counsel Nagananda Kodituwakku said recently that Judge Jayantha Jayasuriya is likely to be appointed as the next Chief Justice.

Furthermore, justices Buwaneka Aluvihare, Priyantha Jayawardena and Sisira de Abrew are recognised as the most senior judges of the Supreme Court after Eva Wansundera.

If Wansundera is appointed as the next Chief Justice, she will become only the second woman in history to hold this position.

Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake became the first woman and the 43rd Chief Justice of Sri Lanka prior to her controversial impeachment which drew much criticism and concern from within and outside of Sri Lanka.