The Government of Sri Lanka has issued a Gazette Extraordinary revising the guidelines governing the appointment of President’s Counsel (PC).

According to Gazette Extraordinary No. 2498/76, dated July 24, 2026, the revision was made under the direction of the President in the exercise of powers vested by Article 33(e) of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

The notification states that Guideline No. 4 of the existing guidelines, which were originally published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2255/24 of November 24, 2021, has been repealed and replaced.

Under the revised guideline, an Attorney-at-Law will be eligible for appointment as a President’s Counsel only if he or she has been enrolled as an Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka for a minimum period of 20 years.

The Gazette was issued by the Presidential Secretariat and signed by Dr. N. S. Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, on July 24, 2026.

The amendment formally introduces a minimum 20-year professional experience requirement for attorneys seeking appointment as President’s Counsel, replacing the previous Guideline No. 4. 

Meanwhile, the Gazette notification inviting applications for the appointment of President’s Counsel for the year 2026 has also been published.

According to the Gazette, eligible Attorneys-at-Law may submit their applications on or before 31 August 2026 for consideration for appointment as President’s Counsel.