Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today raised concerns in Parliament over the government’s failure to fill four vacancies each in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, which have remained unfilled for more than six months.

Speaking under Standing Order 27/2, Premadasa said the delay had resulted in some career judges retiring without being appointed to the higher courts.

He questioned the appropriateness of a government that came to power promising systemic reforms allowing such key judicial appointments to remain pending for an extended period.

Responding to the concerns, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara stated that the appointment of judges falls under the authority of the President and said he would provide a detailed response after obtaining information from the Presidential Secretariat.

The Minister assured Parliament that the vacancies would be filled, but noted that he was unable to provide a specific timeframe for the appointments.