“Maintaining public trust in judiciary pivotal” | Daily News
Speech of Justice Nishshanka Bandula Karunarathna at the Ceremonial Sitting at the Court of Appeal

“Maintaining public trust in judiciary pivotal”

The following is the text of the speech of Justice Nishshanka Bandula Karunarathna at the ceremonial opening at the Court of Appeal on March 15.

Mr. Attorney, President of the Bar Association,

First of all, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks for your presence and kind and warm words of welcome expressed by both of you on this esteemed occasion of a traditional, Ceremonial Sitting of the Court of Appeal. I consider your presence as a blessing.

On this remarkable occasion, as I would like to reflect on, with appreciation and humility, my career in the judiciary since November 1988, spanning nearly 31 years, holding a variety of positions to date. In retrospect, this path in my career has not been paved with roses, but with determination, stoicism and tolerance, I succeeded in overcoming the stumbling blocks that stood in the way. I regard it as my duty to extend my sincere gratitude to all those who lent me a helping hand during this long journey.

Although I didn’t receive most things in life on a platter, the sweat, tears and toil together has granted me the opportunity to celebrate my achievement. It brings me and my family much relief and a sense of pride when I ponder and recall that I have done my utmost to dispense justice to the best of my ability.

Judiciary often comes in for public criticism today, as the ethical values and the public’s perceptions might conflict with the decisions that the judges have been compelled to take, relying on rules, regulations and governance responsibilities they necessarily need to adhere to. Unfortunately, such misunderstandings might erode the citizens’ faith and confidence in the judiciary. In this digital era, one should take into account the profound impact on every person’s life brought upon by the advances of modern communications and primarily the role played by social media which together has facilitated rapid dissemination of information globally though these may often be flawed or distorted.

It’s now regarded as a potent instrument of change. At the same time, these improvements in technology have enabled the judiciary to communicate speedily providing complete and accurate information, affording an opportunity to enlighten the public. According to many studies, the attitudes of public vary depending on the level of democracy attained by a country and the political awareness of its people.

Nevertheless, judges consider maintaining public trust in judiciary as pivotal when considering the conduct of the judicial officers, both inside and outside courts. It cannot sufficiently be emplasised that the acceptance of judicial decisions by citizens is crucial in sustaining peace and welfare of the people.

Mr. Attorney, Mr. President,

Judges too, like any other category of professionals, are sensitive to the way they are regarded by the public and their evaluation of judicial decisions. Sadly though, matters relating to judicial decisions are far more complicated and intricate and frequently go beyond the scope of an ordinary layman’s comprehension.

Further, I would like to convey my deep appreciation and respect to all those, from different social strata, who sacrificed their time, energy and wealth to safeguard the sanctity of law. I consider strength bestowed on me by the rule of law as the most potent force. My conscience that pursues me like a shadow too, has never posed a problem to me.

On this solemn occasion, I pledge before the respected audience that I shall dedicate myself to ensure that justice reigns supreme in all matters. My sole intention is to help build a society of law-abiding citizens who appreciate the value and the indispensability of rule of law. I am much obliged and thankful to all of you who wish me well from the very depth of your heart in order to aid me in realising this goal.

I also wish to add that I have always brought to my mind Lord Buddha’s words of wisdom which constantly strengthened me in successfully encountering the challenges I faced in life, be it natural or external. It is my firm belief that Lord Buddha and Devas have protected me on all such occasions. Just like yesterday, I shall continue to place my faith in the power of Buddhism and divine intervention. It is my bounden duty and responsibility, at this moment, to fondly and gratefully evoke the memories of my beloved parents who brought me into this world 57 years ago. It was the cherished dream of my father who sadly left us three years ago, to see me become a judge and the fulfillment of his dream gives me immense comfort and satisfaction.

A sense of great pride and happiness overwhelms me as I see my mother sitting here in this hall to watch the today’s event. She admitted me to Royal College, Colombo, and guided me throughout my career for 12 years. I am sure your son’s elevation to this position is a momentous moment in your life. I take this opportunity to express my profound respect and boundless love to her.

My wife Hiranthi has always brightened up my life and has been a pillar of strength to me in both joyous and trying times, sharing my burdens, woes and happiness all along. Her encouragement and devotion went a long way in contributing to my successes, making me steady in times of formidable challenges. The two sons, Sisitha and Dasun that you gifted to me have indeed been a true blessing. Though my younger son, Dasun is not present here today owing to his commitments to studies overseas, his very name brings fond memories to my mind on this occasion. I am delighted that my elder son, Sisitha managed to join us here today and naturally my heart goes out to him. Needless to mention here that both of them have tremendously enlivened our lives.

The recently joined member of our family, our daughter-in-law, Meynakshi, much love goes out to her as well.

At this significant event, I extend my deep affection to my sister and brother and all their family members and all the sisters and brothers and their family members of my beloved wife, Hiranthi.

I fondly recall the 1980 Group of Royal College, Colombo and the Law College batch of 1982, on this very special occasion. As you may understand on an occasion like this, it’s not possible to mention all names. However, I would like to communicate my gratitude and thanks to all my teachers, relatives, colleagues, friends and many others who have not been specifically named, for the encouragement and support lent me at times of need. I also avail myself of this opportunity to place on record my respectful gratitude to all my friends holding different positions in the judiciary and allied professions.

Mr. Attorney, Mr. President,

Though my ideas, perceptions and feelings were conveyed to you in about 1,200 words, the number of words alone, can’t do justice to my deeply felt feelings even in tens of thousands of words. Although emotions and their subtle nuances that overwhelm me cannot be expressed in mere words, I have made an attempt to succinctly ink my words to honestly appreciate your presence on this important occasion which marks a milestone in my life.

May the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem be with you, today and always.

Thank you. 


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