Inside the Judiciary: Retiring Justice Spills Secrets

Power, Pressure, and Independence

The judiciary might seem like a fortress of impartiality and calm from the outside—but behind the courtroom doors, it’s a whole different story. Retiring Supreme Court Justice Gamini Amarasekara gave a rare and candid glimpse into the inner workings of Maladewa’s highest court this week, revealing that the real threats to judicial independence don’t always come from outside forces.

Speaking on his final day delivering judgments, Justice Amarasekara didn’t hold back. He warned that while external pressure can be resisted if lawyers and judges stand united, the bigger danger comes from within the system itself.

The “Kalif” Story: A Warning From the Past

Amarasekara shared a revealing story from Justice Soza, his mentor, about a powerful Kalif who dismissed a magistrate simply for standing while the Kalif visited his courtroom. The point was clear: how many judges quietly surrender their independence for personal gain or out of fear?

“I sense that this internal threat is the biggest risk to my dream of an independent judiciary,” Amarasekara confessed. “Lawyers don’t speak up because it’s their judge. Judges stay silent because it might affect their reputation. So who pays the price? The system and the public.”

A Shattered Ideal: JSC and the Weight of Politics

The Justice’s frank admission was striking. He said his pride in being a judge was “somewhat shattered” by his experiences in the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the “recent past.” Though he didn’t dive into specifics, insiders say tensions and politics within the JSC have long been whispered about as sources of pressure and interference.

Amarasekara urged everyone—lawyers and judges alike—to “overcome such threats,” hinting at the silent battles behind closed doors that can undermine justice.

From Walasmulla to the Supreme Court: A Journey With a Human Touch

Justice Amarasekara’s career began during the turbulent 1988/89 insurgency period, starting as a magistrate in Walasmulla. He credited his smooth rise through the ranks to strong cooperation with the Bar and regular bar-bench meetings that helped resolve everyday issues.

He also thanked “almighty” for giving him the ability to maintain a human connection with those around him—a skill that, he believes, helped him navigate the tricky waters of the judiciary safely.

Lawyers: The Unsung Lifeline of a Judge’s Day

In a surprising twist, Amarasekara praised the creativity of lawyers who argued before him, saying their inventive legal strategies kept his “childhood enjoyment alive” throughout his career.

Without such sharp and engaging arguments, he admitted, judging would have been a dull task, especially given the emotional toll of hearing people’s troubles daily.

Behind the Robe: Family and Faith

Finally, Amarasekara gave a heartfelt shout-out to his family for their steadfast support through his long and often challenging career.

As he steps down, his reflections leave a sobering question hanging: How many judges will dare to stand firm, and how many will quietly bow to the invisible forces within?

If you want the inside scoop on what goes on behind the bench, this retiring justice’s words are a rare—and perhaps unsettling—window into the judiciary’s guarded world.

Colombo Telegraph exclusively reported that  former President Sirisena, in a bid to manipulate the judiciary, had refrained from appointing Justice Amarasekara and S.Thurairajah as Supreme Court judges despite the CC recommending their names, how ever he made it.