Justice Murdu Nirupa Bindushini Fernando was ceremonially sworn in as the Chief Justice of Sri Lanka before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (02).
Justice Fernando has made history as the second woman to hold the position of Chief Justice in Sri Lanka, becoming the 48th Chief Justice of the country. Her appointment follows the retirement of Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, and her name was recently approved by the Constitutional Council for this esteemed role.
With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Justice Fernando began her journey in the Attorney General’s Department in 1985. She rose through the ranks, becoming Deputy Solicitor General in 1997 and Additional Solicitor General in 2014. In March 2018, she was appointed to the Supreme Court, where she served as the Senior Additional Solicitor General and is currently recognized as the senior-most judge.
An alumna of Princess of Wales College, Moratuwa, Justice Fernando earned her Bachelor of Laws degree from the Faculty of Law at the University of Colombo, further establishing her credentials as a legal luminary.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
It is noteworthy that Justice Shirani Bandaranaike was the first female Chief Justice of Sri Lanka, paving the way for women in the judiciary. Justice Fernando’s appointment marks another milestone in the country’s legal history.
