New Guidelines Issued For President’s Counsel Appointments

COLOMBO (News 1st): An extraordinary gazette notification revising the guidelines for the appointment of President’s Counsel has been issued by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

According to the revised guidelines, a candidate will not be eligible for appointment as a President’s Counsel unless they have completed 20 years of practice as an Attorney-at-Law within the Supreme Court.

The amendment removes the provisions introduced through the gazette notification issued on the 24th of November, 2021.

Under the previous guidelines, while 20 years of experience as a Supreme Court lawyer was required, exceptions were made in special cases for lawyers with 15 years of experience who fulfilled all other criteria.

Meanwhile, the call for applications for the appointment of new President’s Counsel has commenced.

Applications will be accepted until the 31st of August.