In a heartfelt farewell address marking the end of his judicial career, retiring Supreme Court Justice Gamini Amarasekara issued a cautionary note on the future of Sri Lanka’s judiciary. He emphasized that while external threats to judicial independence can be collectively resisted, internal challenges pose a far more insidious danger.
Speaking in open court with the permission of the Chief Justice and fellow judges, Justice Amarasekara reiterated his steadfast belief in the independence of the judiciary. “A judge with the right convictions can resist external pressure,” he said, “but when the threats come from within the system, they are harder to confront.”
He shared a personal anecdote passed down to him by the late Justice Sosa, a mentor in his early years on the bench, involving a caliph who dismissed judges. “In a competitive society, how do we stop this trend of judges compromising their independence, whether out of fear or for personal gain?” he asked. “This, to me, is the real threat to our dream of an independent judiciary.”
Justice Amarasekara expressed concern over a culture of silence within the legal profession. “Lawyers may remain quiet because the judge in question is theirs. Judges may do the same to protect their own reputation. But in the end, the public loses,” he warned. Reflecting on his experiences, particularly during his tenure with the Judicial Service Commission, he admitted, “What I once held as pride in being a judge has been shaken.”
Recalling his career, Justice Amarasekara noted that he began his judicial journey during the turbulent 1988/89 insurrection, with his first posting at the Walasmulla Magistrate’s Court. “From Walasmulla to the Supreme Court, I have been fortunate to receive the full support of the Bar Association,” he said, commending the collegial spirit that enabled the legal community to solve practical challenges collaboratively.
He expressed gratitude to his family for their unwavering support and offered special thanks to the legal professionals who appeared before him. “The creativity of lawyers has kept the judicial process intellectually fulfilling. Without it, a judge’s role could be monotonous—after all, it is not easy to listen to the problems of others every day,” he reflected.
Concluding his remarks, Justice Amarasekara acknowledged divine guidance throughout his service, crediting his faith for helping him maintain compassion in his work.
His departure leaves behind not just a vacancy on the bench, but a resonant message about integrity, vigilance, and the ongoing struggle to preserve the sanctity of the judiciary.
