Murdu Fernando Becomes Sri Lanka’s 2nd Female Chief Justice

Justice Murdu Nirupa Bindushini Fernando was ceremonially sworn in as the Chief Justice of Sri Lanka on December 2, 2024, before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat. This landmark event marks a significant milestone in Sri Lankan judicial history as Justice Fernando becomes the second woman to hold the esteemed position of Chief Justice, following the trailblazing Justice Shirani Bandaranaike.

Historic Appointment

48th Chief Justice of Sri Lanka.

• Second woman to hold the position, after Justice Shirani Bandaranaike.
• Appointed following the retirement of Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya.

Approval and Ceremony

• Nomination approved by the Constitutional Council.
• Sworn in at the Presidential Secretariat in the presence of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
• Attended by dignitaries including Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President.

Educational Background

• Alumna of Princess of Wales College, Moratuwa.
• Obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from the University of Colombo’s Faculty of Law.

Professional Journey

• Began her career in the Attorney General’s Department in 1985.
• Promoted to Deputy Solicitor General in 1997.
• Elevated to Additional Solicitor General in 2014.
• Appointed to the Supreme Court in March 2018.
• Served as Senior Additional Solicitor General and senior-most judge on the Supreme Court.

Significance

• Justice Fernando’s career spans over three decades, showcasing her expertise and dedication to upholding the rule of law.
• Her appointment is a progressive step for gender representation in Sri Lanka’s judiciary.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Murdu Fernando Becomes Sri Lanka’s 2nd Female Chief Justice
Position	48th Chief Justice of Sri Lanka
Predecessor	Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya
Career Highlights	Attorney General’s Department (1985), Deputy Solicitor General (1997), Additional Solicitor General (2014), Supreme Court Judge (2018)
Notable Achievements	Second female Chief Justice; Career spanning over three decades
Significance	Marks a progressive step for women in Sri Lanka’s judiciary