Justice Preethi Padman Surasena was sworn in as the 49th Chief Justice of Sri Lanka at the Presidential Secretariat, before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

His appointment follows the Constitutional Council’s approval to succeed former Chief Justice Murdu Nirupa Bidushinie Fernando, who recently retired.

Justice Surasena began his legal career in 1989 and has held multiple high-ranking positions, including State Counsel, High Court Judge, President of the Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court Judge.

Having served on the Supreme Court since 2019, he was the most senior justice on the bench prior to this appointment.

The swearing-in was attended by Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President.