Wijesundara is the senior-most judge in the CA, but judicial circles are surprised by the omission of Malani Gunaratne, a judge senior to Malalgoda, who is presently the CA chairman.

When contacted, a senior official at the Justice Ministry attributed that to Gunaratne’s retirement in June, when she reaches 63 years of age.

However, a SC judge can serve until 65 years of age, and it is considered unfair by Gunaratne that she has not been named to the SC.

The Constitutional Council makes the appointment to the SC in consideration of the recommendations by the president.