Sri Lanka–India Judicial Relations Deepen at CJ Surya Kant’s Oath Ceremony
CJ Surasena Participates in Swearing-In of India’s 53rd Chief Justice
By Adheesha Kulatunga
His Lordship the Chief Justice of Sri Lanka, Hon. Preethi Padman Surasena, undertook an official visit to the Republic of India upon invitation, departing Sri Lanka on Saturday, 22 November 2025, to participate in a series of ceremonial and judicial engagements; foremost among them the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Chief Justice of India, Hon. Justice Surya Kant. It is notable that this occasion was the first time in India’s history that foreign justices attended a Chief Justice of India’s oath-taking event. Among them were dignitaries from Bhutan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
The solemn oath-taking ceremony was held in the morning hours of 24 November 2025, marking the formal assumption of office by Justice Surya Kant as the 53rd Chief Justice of India. Following the ceremony, His Lordship Preethi Padman Surasena, participated in an official High Tea hosted with the Chief Justice of India and other Justices of the Supreme Court of India, further reinforcing cordial relations and professional camaraderie between the two apex judicial institutions. The commemorations were concluded later that evening, with His Lordship attending an official dinner hosted by the President of India at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre.
As part of his official programme, the Hon. Chief Justice of Sri Lanka is also scheduled to attend and observe Court proceedings presided over by the newly appointed Chief Justice of India at the Supreme Court of India on 26 November 2025, affording an opportunity to witness judicial processes and institutional practices within the apex Court of India.
In addition, His Lordship the Chief Justice is also invited to be present at the Constitution Day Celebrations of India, to be held in the afternoon of 26 November 2025 at the Supreme Court Auditorium. Constitution day is a commemorative event honouring the adoption of the Constitution of India and celebrating its enduring constitutional legacy.
Following the visit by Hon. Justice Surya Kant to Sri Lanka and the Supreme Court in October this year (see, LINK), the participation of the Chief Justice of Sri Lanka in these events reflects the strengthening of judicial diplomacy and bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and India. Such engagements contribute to the exchange of judicial experience and the fostering of legal collaboration between the two nations, which stem from similar legal roots, in the pursuit of upholding core values such as the rule of law and constitutional supremacy.
