The Supreme Court today hosted a delegation of members from the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, marking what was described as a historic moment of judicial and professional engagement between the two legal communities.
Welcoming the delegation in open court, Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant highlighted the importance of cross-border dialogue between legal systems and emphasised the shared traditions between India and Sri Lanka.
“It is a wonderful connection that is being made. I hope you are able to deal with these engagements in a very magnanimous way. As members of the Bar, we warmly welcome you here,” the CJI remarked.
The CJI also acknowledged the efforts of the Bar Association of India in strengthening connections between bar associations across different jurisdictions.
“The Bar Association of India has been doing a wonderful job in connecting bars across the world, and I appreciate the efforts made in organizing this interaction,” the Court observed.
Speaking on behalf of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, the head of the delegation described the visit as a significant milestone in the relationship between the legal communities of the two nations.
“This is the first occasion on which members of the Sri Lankan Bar have come before the Supreme Court of India as part of a structured exchange of ideas and professional engagement,” he said.
He further emphasised the deep historical and constitutional connections between the two jurisdictions. “Our jurisdictions are closely connected not only by geography but by centuries of shared history, common legal traditions, and a long commitment to the rule of law and judicial independence.”
The delegation also recalled the CJI’s visit to Sri Lanka in October last year, where he delivered the Human Rights Oration of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and participated in key legal events.
The CJI then noted the increasing participation of women in the legal profession and welcomed the women members of the Sri Lankan Bar present in the delegation.
“The women members of the Sri Lankan Bar are most welcome. Recently, we celebrated International Women’s Day with a major event organised by the women members of the Bar,” he said.