News
Justice Achala Wengappuli appointed to Court of Appeal
View(s):There is no better institution than the Attorney General’s (AG) Dept. for any young lawyer to receive training in the practice of Law, and to instil in them a desire to adhere to Justice and fair play, said Justice Achala Wengappuli.
He was speaking at a ceremonial sitting of the Supreme Court recently, to welcome him as a Judge of the Court of Appeal.
Justice Wengappuli noted that, after joining the AG’s Dept in 1993, his entire career there had been spent on the Criminal side, where he was involved in every aspect of Criminal litigation across courts islandwide. The foundation he received at the AG’s Dept has stood him in good stead throughout his judicial career, he emphasized. He admitted that his initial reaction was to decline the ceremonial setting, but reconsidered because he was aware that “formal occasions such as this, cement the partnership between Bench and Bar, and remind us that our common pursuit is the proper administration of justice.”
He made a commitment to discharge the obligations of his office with honour and commitment and that, he would ensure his conduct in both, his official and private capacities, remain irreproachable.
“On the Bench, I shall extend a fair hearing and courtesy to the members of the Bar. I am well aware that scrupulous care must be taken to preclude any perception of bias. I shall always bear in mind that judgements are sacred pronouncements determining people’s rights, and should not be delivered except after careful deliberation. I shall also exercise every diligence to ensure that I address the issues in dispute, comprehensively, and ensure that the reasons for my decisions are set out in a clear and cogent manner. I am well aware of the requirement for case management, and I shall take every step to ensure my decisions are timely,” Justice Wengappuli further said.
Addressing the gathering, AG Jayantha Jayasuriya P.C., observed that the enthusiasm and keen interest Justice Wengappuli demonstrated in conducting prosecutions during his 14-year career at the AG’s Dept, resulted in ensuring that justice was delivered to all parties, efficiently and effectively. As a High Court Judge, the skills and experience the Justice acquired at the AG’s Dept also gave him courage to dispense justice equally and fairly to all parties, without fear or favour.
“Your Lordship’s judicial career reflects qualities of a real Judge. A Judge who has commitment, interest and the capacity to dispense justice and enhance the quality of the administration of justice mechanism,” Mr Jayasuriya said.
Welcoming Justice Wengappuli on behalf of the Unofficial Bar, Bar Association of Sri Lanka President U.R. De Silva P.C., expressed confidence that Justice Wengappuli would discharge his duties to the betterment of the country’s justice system. He pledged to give their fullest cooperation to the Justice, in this regard. Justice Achala Wengappuli took oaths as an Attorney-at-Law in 1990 and embarked on his judicial career under the guidance of Ranjith Abeysuriya P.C.. He jointed the AG’s Dept as a State Counsel in 1993, and led prosecutions in many Criminal cases during his career there. In 2011, he was appointed a High Court Judge, and has also served as a Judge in the court system in Fiji. He is a past pupil of Lalith Athulathmudali Vidyalaya, Mt Lavinia and Royal College, Colombo. Justice Vengappuli holds a Master of Laws from the University of Colombo.