The Judicial Service Association of Sri Lanka (JSA) has issued a stern warning against a growing wave of "false and baseless" accusations directed at the country’s judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
In a formal statement released on January 20, 2026, the association expressed deep concern over what it described as a deliberate and destructive effort to erode public trust in the legal system through social media and other digital platforms.
The JSA, which represents the country's District Court judges and Magistrates, highlighted that these campaigns often involve misleading narratives designed to influence judicial independence. The association emphasized that such actions do not merely target individual judges but pose a significant threat to the rule of law and the constitutional protections afforded to judicial institutions. "Promoting fabricated claims will inevitably weaken the very foundation of our legal system," the JSA cautioned in its statement.
The association further reminded the public and relevant stakeholders that under the Constitution of Sri Lanka, any attempt to directly or indirectly influence the decisions of the JSC, or to insult judicial orders and officers, is a punishable offense. The JSA confirmed it has already brought these specific concerns to the attention of the Judicial Service Commission, urging a firm stance against any interference with constitutionally mandated functions.
This development comes amid a broader climate of tension regarding the separation of powers in the country. Just days prior, the Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, rejected a motion to appoint a Parliamentary Select Committee to oversee the JSC’s administrative decisions, ruling that such a move would be a "derogation of the independence of the judiciary." The JSA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting this independence, stating it would not hesitate to take all necessary legal measures to safeguard the integrity of the courts.
