India Rolls Out Red Carpet for Sri Lankan Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena
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New Delhi - In a symbolic gesture of goodwill, the Indian judiciary on Thursday welcomed Sri Lankan Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena with a ceremonial reception, marking the beginning of her official visit to the country. Supreme Court of India Chief Justice Surya Kant led the welcome ceremony, accompanied by Justice Joymalya Bagchi. Chief Justice Surasena, who took office as the 49th head of the Sri Lankan judiciary on July 27, shared the bench with her Indian counterparts during a special sitting. The visiting dignitary was accompanied by a delegation of nine judges from the Sri Lankan top court. During the ceremony, Chief Justice Kant expressed India's honor in hosting Justice Surasena and her delegation, citing the strong emotional bonds between the two nations. 'We are delighted to have you here,' he said. 'Our countries have a rich history of cultural and sentimental ties, and we look forward to strengthening these bonds through dialogue and cooperation.' Justice Surasena responded warmly, praising the Indian judiciary for its hospitality. 'It is a great pleasure to be here,' she said. 'India and Sri Lanka have a long history of friendship, dating back over 2,500 years. Our people, rulers, and kings have always shared a special bond.' She highlighted the significance of the visit, noting that the Sri Lankan delegation had participated in the Supreme Court Bar Association's Constitution Day celebrations on November 26. The delegation has also spent three days at the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal, under the guidance of Justice Aniruddha Bose. The visit has been hailed as a significant moment of cooperation between the two democracies, with Attorney General R Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta extending their greetings to the delegation. Supreme Court Bar Association President Vikas Singh and Advocates-on-Record Association President Vipin Nair also welcomed the visit, noting the importance of strengthening ties between the two nations.
