Sarath N. Silva

Prior to civil service, his achievements included work obtaining a Master of Laws degree magna cum laude from the University of Brussels.

He was admitted as an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka in June 1967 and commenced his career in the Attorney General's department in 1968 as a Crown Counsel.

His appointment as Chief Justice in 1999 evoked widespread protest in the media on concerns of there being more qualified and experienced judges in Sri Lanka, and Chandrika Kumaratunga was perceived as using him to control Court decisions.

It detailed instances of lack of accountability, breach of natural justice and potential for undue interference, as well singling out which positions should be protecting the rule of law.

[2] In August 2001, the International Bar Association (IBA) concluded that there was "an overwhelming need for an independent credible judicial system" in Sri Lanka.