PSC to rule on Sarath Silva’s underworld appointments, etc
By Ranga Jayasuriya
| Sunday 04 September 2011 |
The former judges, who met the president at a meeting arranged by Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon, had spoken about arbitrary retirements, etc., and unlawful influence wielded by the former chief justice in order to exonerate suspects in court cases. Former District Court Judge and Magistrate G.D. Kulathilaka said the former chief justice appointed Rohana Kumara, a known underworld criminal as the caretaker of the Judges Institute, where newly appointed judges are given their initial legal training.
"This man, who is an underworld criminal, called judges 'machan' and asked, "Machan, where do you want to have your next transfer?" "He was so powerful," he said.
=====================================================
"This man, who is an underworld criminal, called judges 'machan' and asked, "Machan, where do you want to have your next transfer?" "He was so powerful," he said.
=====================================================
Out goes Emergency; in comes confusion!
Out goes Emergency; in comes confusion!| Sunday 04 September 2011 |
The president’s announcement in parliament that he proposes not to extend the Emergency caused confusion last week with even ministers unaware of when the move would become effective.
Shortly after his speech, Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa told the weekly media briefing that the Emergency would lapse with immediate effect.
A report on the official government website news.lk said the Emergency would be lifted on the same day as the speech. Speaking from Singapore, outgoing Attorney General Mohan Pieris told BBC that the Emergency would end on September 9, “if not earlier.”
It was later confirmed that the Emergency would lapse on August 30 but much more remained unclear with the government making no effort to educate the public. Responding to questions, Pieris said new regulations would be gazetted under the Prevention of Terrorism Act to deal with matters such as detainees, those who surrender, high security zones and proscription of the LTTE. But even by Friday the gazette had not been printed.
“Nobody really knows what’s happening,” said one civil society activist, requesting anonymity. “This has now become a standard feature of this regime’s style of governance.”
The Centre for Policy Alternatives said in a statement it is imperative that the measures the government intends taking are made public. “More generally, we would also call upon the government to adopt a transparent and consultative approach to any legislation it may bring in,” it continued.
It was later confirmed that the Emergency would lapse on August 30 but much more remained unclear with the government making no effort to educate the public. Responding to questions, Pieris said new regulations would be gazetted under the Prevention of Terrorism Act to deal with matters such as detainees, those who surrender, high security zones and proscription of the LTTE. But even by Friday the gazette had not been printed.
“Nobody really knows what’s happening,” said one civil society activist, requesting anonymity. “This has now become a standard feature of this regime’s style of governance.”
The Centre for Policy Alternatives said in a statement it is imperative that the measures the government intends taking are made public. “More generally, we would also call upon the government to adopt a transparent and consultative approach to any legislation it may bring in,” it continued.
