At last week’s meeting of the constitutional council, chaired by speaker Karu Jayasuriya, minister Champika Ranawaka strongly objected to the appointment of the most senior official, Suhada Gamlath, to the position.

Other parties in the government too, have raised objections to Gamlath.

The CC has reportedly sent the name of the second most senior person in the AG’s department, Jayantha Jayasuriya, to the president for approval.

He is likely to be sworn in before the president today (08).

Jayasuriya had earlier said he would like an appointment as a Supreme Court judge, and the government will now grant that opportunity to Gamlath.

If not, he will take up duties as the chief protocol officer of the Foreign Ministry.

Wijedasa backs Gamlath

Meanwhile, ‘Ravaya’ reports that justice minister Wijedasa Rajapakse is strongly backing solicitor general Gamlath to the position, although he could not be considered impartial, as he had been very close to the Rajapaksas during the previous regime, and held the justice secretary position.

However, he has been opposed by prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and most UNF ministers, but president Maithripala Sirisena is desirous of seeing Gamlath as the AG.

As per the 19th amendment, the president should appoint the AG with approval by the CC.

Lawyers’ stand

The Bar Association has discussed the matter with the president, and its secretary Ajith Pathirana said they stressed the need to give consideration to seniority and that the appointee should be from AG’s department itself.

However, there is a question of credibility if Gamlath is appointed, as he had left the department to take up a ministry secretary position, said Pathirana.

Attempts to reach minister Rajapakse for a comment were unsuccessful.