The Constitutional Council has approved the appointment of Supreme Court Justice Preethi Padman Surasena as the next Chief Justice of Sri Lanka.

The approval follows President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s formal nomination of Justice Surasena to succeed Chief Justice Murdu Fernando, who is set to retire on 27 July. The Council met on 23 July to consider the nomination and has now given its consent, clearing the way for Justice Surasena to assume the top judicial post.

Justice Preethi Padman Surasena previously served as President of the Court of Appeal and he was appointed as a member of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) this year as well.

With the Constitutional Council’s endorsement, Justice Surasena is expected to be sworn in as the 49th Chief Justice of Sri Lanka in the coming days.