The Supreme Court of India on Thursday accorded a ceremonial welcome to Sri Lanka’s Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, who is on an official visit to the country. The proceedings were led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, who presided over a special sitting alongside Justice Joymalya Bagchi and the visiting Sri Lankan Chief Justice. Justice Surasena, who assumed office as the 49th Chief Justice of Sri Lanka on July 27, was accompanied by a nine-member delegation of judges from the Sri Lankan Supreme Court.

CJI Surya Kant opened the special session by expressing India’s honour in hosting Justice Surasena and his team. Emphasising the closeness between the two countries, he noted that India and Sri Lanka share deep emotional, cultural, and historical ties. “We hope that your visit to India has been quite meaningful and very constructive in terms of the dialogue exchanges,” he said. He also highlighted the shared sentiments and cultural bonds that have characterised the bilateral relationship for centuries.

Justice Surasena responded with equal warmth, calling the visit “a great pleasure” for him and his fellow judges. In his address, he reflected on the enduring relationship between India and Sri Lanka, rooted in history that stretches back more than 2,500 years. He recalled the ancient exchanges between the two civilisations, noting references to Sri Lanka in Indian epics such as the Ramayana, and pointing out that Emperor Ashoka had once sailed from Bengal to Sri Lanka, further underscoring how deeply India’s cultural and spiritual influence permeates Sri Lanka’s historical narrative.

The Sri Lankan Chief Justice also shared that the delegation had participated in the Supreme Court Bar Association’s Constitution Day celebrations held on November 26. Expressing gratitude for the hospitality extended by the Indian judiciary, he remarked, “We take great pride and pleasure in being here.”

Attorney General R. Venkataramani extended his greetings to the delegation, highlighting the shared spiritual and cultural heritage that binds the two nations. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta echoed this sentiment, observing that India and Sri Lanka draw from the same civilisational roots.

CJI Kant further informed the court that the Sri Lankan delegation had spent three days at the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal, where their visit was overseen by Justice Aniruddha Bose. The team is scheduled to visit the Delhi High Court following their engagements at the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Bar Association President Vikas Singh took the occasion to recall the contributions of eminent Sri Lankan jurist C. G. Weeramantry, whose influence resonated well beyond his home country and left a lasting impact on international jurisprudence. Vipin Nair, President of the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association, also addressed the gathering, noting that India has always opened its doors to visitors from across the world. He described the presence of the chief justices from two democracies on the same bench as a significant moment in judicial exchange and cooperation.

The ceremonial welcome marks yet another chapter in the long-standing and multi-layered relationship between the judiciaries of India and Sri Lanka. The visit aims to strengthen institutional dialogue, deepen judicial cooperation, and reinforce the shared values that underpin the legal traditions of both nations.