Justice Murdu Nirupa Bindushini Fernando was ceremonially sworn in as the 48th Chief Justice last Monday (2), before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President at the Presidential Secretariat.
Justice Fernando’s appointment makes her the second woman to hold the prestigious position of Chief Justice, following in the footsteps of the pioneering Justice Shirani Bandaranaike.
Justice Fernando’s nomination was approved by the Constitutional Council, and she officially took office following the retirement of Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya.
A distinguished legal professional, Justice Fernando is an alumna of Princess of Wales College, Moratuwa, and holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from the University of Colombo’s Faculty of Law. Her legal career began in 1985 when she joined the Attorney General’s Department. Over the years, she earned numerous promotions, rising to Deputy Solicitor General in 1997, and to Additional Solicitor General in 2014.
In March 2018, she was appointed to the Supreme Court, where she became the Senior Additional Solicitor General and later the senior-most judge. Her career spans over three decades, during which she has gained a reputation for her legal acumen and commitment to upholding the rule of law.
