Murdhu Fernando

Murdu Nirupa Bidushinie Fernando, PC (born 27 July 1960) is a Sri Lankan lawyer who served as the 48th Chief Justice of Sri Lanka from 2 December 2024 to 27 July 2025. She was appointed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. She was the second woman to hold the position of chief justice, following Shirani Bandaranayake.

Previously, she served as the acting chief justice from 10 October to 1 December 2024.

Fernando retired on 27 July 2025 and was succeeded as the 49th chief justice by Padman Surasena.

Career Fernando joined the Attorney General's Department as a State Counsel, where she served for over 30 years. During her tenure, she was promoted to Senior State Counsel, Deputy Solicitor General, Additional Solicitor General and Senior Additional Solicitor General. She was appointed a President's Counsel while serving as an Additional Solicitor General.

On 10 October 2024, President Dissanayake appointed Fernando as the acting chief justice following the retirement of Jayantha Jayasuriya, who served as the 47th chief justice. She was officially sworn in on 2 December 2024.