The attorney general is usually a highly respected senior advocate, and is appointed by the ruling government.

Unlike the attorney general of the United States, the attorney general of Sri Lanka does not have any executive authority and is not a political appointee; those functions are performed by the minister of justice.

[1] Under the 17th Amendment and 19th Amendment to the Constitution, the attorney general along with the chief justice, the judges of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, the members of the Judicial Service Commission, and four other officials are placed in a constitutionally guaranteed position of security from removal from office.

[2] The powers and duties of the attorney general are derived from the Administration of Justice Law, No.

The position is pensionable, and holders are entitled to government duty free permits.