The Supreme Court on Thursday held a ceremonial sitting to welcome Sri Lankan Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, who is on an official visit to India. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant presided over the special session, where Justice Surasena shared the bench with him and Justice Joymalya Bagchi. He was accompanied by a delegation of nine judges from the Sri Lankan Supreme Court.
CJI Kant said the Indian judiciary was honoured to host the visiting Chief Justice and his colleagues. He spoke of the shared emotional, cultural and historical bonds between the two nations and expressed hope that the visit had been both meaningful and constructive.
Justice Surasena, who took office as the 49th Chief Justice of Sri Lanka on July 27, responded with warm appreciation. Calling it “indeed a great pleasure” for the delegation to be in India, he said the ties between the people of India and Sri Lanka stretch back over 2,500 years. He noted that cultural links appear throughout history, including references in the Ramayana, and mentioned Emperor Ashoka’s voyage from Bengal to Sri Lanka.
He also shared that the delegation had taken part in the Supreme Court Bar Association’s Constitution Day celebrations on November 26. “We take great pride and pleasure in being here,” he said.
Attorney General R Venkataramani greeted the delegation and emphasised the “common spiritual and cultural heritage” binding the two countries. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta echoed that sentiment, saying both nations share the same civilisation and culture.
CJI Kant informed the court that the Sri Lankan judges spent three days at the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal under the guidance of Justice Aniruddha Bose as part of their ongoing visit. After the Supreme Court engagement, the delegation is scheduled to visit the Delhi High Court on Friday.
Supreme Court Bar Association President Vikas Singh recalled the contribution of eminent Sri Lankan jurist C G Weeramantry. Advocates-on-Record Association President Vipin Nair added that India has always welcomed its guests and described the presence of the chief justices of two democracies together as a meaningful moment.
