The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) today expressed grave concern over the appointment of a retired High Court Judge as a High Court Commissioner. 

“The provisions relating to the appointment of High Court Commissioner exists to be used in exceptional circumstances and where the circumstances warrant such an appointment such as where there is a shortage of judges conversant in a particular language,” it said in a statement.

The present appointment has been made whilst there are several vacancies in the High Court cadre and when there are senior judicial officers fit and suitable for such appointments and without any apparent justification to do so, the BASL said. 

The Bar Association says that it understands that it is claimed this appointment has been made with a view of expeditiously hearing cases under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Emergency Regulations. 

“There is no justification in appointing a High Court Commissioner for this purpose.”

In the said circumstances the Bar Association is of the view that there was no need for the Minister of Justice to represent to the President the need for such an appointment. 

BASL strongly urged that immediate steps be taken to reverse this process forthwith and that urgent steps be taken to fill the vacancies which exist in the High Court cadre in order to ensure the efficient administration of justice.