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‘It is the quiet, often unseen act of doing justice that gives meaning to a life in the law’
View(s):Justice Kumudini Wickremasinghe’s address at the ceremonial sitting at the Supreme Court to mark her retirement
By Ranjith Padmasiri
“Positions are transient. Recognition fades. But your integrity, your humility and your commitment to justice must remain constant. For we are, above all, servants of a greater purpose,” said Justice Kumudini Wickremasinghe.
Addressing the ceremonial sitting held at the Supreme Court to mark her retirement, Justice Wickremasinghe added that the moment one allows position or power to overshadow that purpose, one risks losing sight of the very essence of the legal profession.
“Justice must remain the central and overriding objective,” she emphasised.
Justice Kumudini Wickremasinghe
“It is not fame, nor recognition, nor advancement that gives meaning to a life in the law. It is the quiet, often unseen act of doing justice, of deciding fairly, of listening patiently and of applying the law with integrity.”
She recounted that her journey in the law began in October 1986, when she took oaths as an Attorney-at-Law, “at a time when women were still finding and asserting their place within the profession.” Her early years at the Attorney General’s Department shaped her understanding of the law, not merely as a system of rules, but as a solemn public trust, the Justice observed. “It is a trust that binds us to the Court, to the State and above all, to the people whom the law exists to serve.”
Justice Wickremasinghe further elaborated that her appointment to the judiciary in 2006 and subsequent service in the High Court, Civil Appellate Court, the Court of Appeal, and ultimately the Supreme Court in 2020, brought with it responsibilities of the highest order, constitutional, national and deeply human. These roles required not only the interpretation of law, but a steadfast commitment to uphold the rule of law, even in the face of complexity, uncertainty and at times, adversity, she remarked.
“This profession, particularly for a woman, has extra challenges and barriers, and yet the courage to break the glass ceiling perseveres,” she asserted.
The retiring Supreme Court Justice also had some words of advice and encouragement for young members of the profession: “There will be moments when the weight of these demands feel overwhelming and even frustrating. There will be moments of doubt, moments where you question whether this path is sustainable or whether law is even for you. Those moments are real. But they must not define you.”
“If my journey offers any reassurance, it is that you can endure, you can grow, and you can remain true to your purpose without stepping aside. Strength lies not in ease, but in continuing despite road blocks. You must also recognise that no one walks this path alone. It is sustained by those who stand beside you, your support system, your family, your parents, your spouse. Their understanding and support will carry you through the most demanding times. It is, in many ways, a privilege to have such strength to lean upon,” Justice Wickremasinghe stressed.
She also advised young members of the profession to remember as they progress, to remain grounded, humble and approachable.
“The true measure of a life in the law lies not in the office one holds, but in the manner in which one has upheld justice, with fairness, with courage and with integrity. For in the quiet discharge of duty, guided by fairness and anchored in integrity, we do not merely interpret the law, we give meaning to justice itself,” she said in conclusion.
In his address at the ceremonial sitting, Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, PC, reminded those present that Justice Wickremasinghe had adjudicated many famous criminal cases throughout her judicial career. This included the biggest fraud case in Asia, popularly known as the “VAT Case” in 2014. Other landmark cases included the Angulana murder case heard by a jury before a Trial-at-Bar of which she was a member. AG Ranasinghe also highlighted Justice Wickremasinghe’s conviction and sentence of LTTE Chief Velupillai Prabhakaran on criminal charges and conviction of Deputy Minister Chandana Kathriarachchi on charges of unlawful assembly in a case of murder.
He noted that Justice Wickremasinghe’s stint as a Supreme Court Judge spanned almost six years, during which she heard many Fundamental Rights applications, civil and criminal appeal matters, land and labour matters, commercial matters and civil appellate matters. She was also member of the Benches which were tasked to hear the special determinations examining the constitutionality of Bills including the Inland Revenue (Amendment) and Land Development (Amendment) Bill.
The AG also recalled that during the times of turmoil, Justice Wickremasinghe was presiding in many digital hearing cases during the COVID-19 pandemic and the dark days of the era of economic collapse.
“The wealth of experience gained, and the lessons learnt through this long span of public life will be of great strength to Your Ladyship to navigate through the next phase of Your Ladyship’s journey,” AG Ranasinghe said, wishing her the best on behalf of the Bar.
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