Impeachment Update For The Day: Justice Shiranee Vs Chief Justice Shirani
The Government Information Department informed the public that Justice Shiranee Tilakawardenewas giving evidence before the PSC. This was the first time the public or the lawyers were informed that oral evidence was being led by the PSC. As pointed out in the previous updates, the PSC had previously said that the PSC would not hear oral evidence and therefore the question of cross examination would not arise. All these evidence had been lead by the Members themselves without the participation of the Chief Justice or the Opposition Members of the PSC.
Several witnesses, including Justice Tilakawardana,Lalith Weeratunga and Secretary of Judicial Service Commission had been summoned to give evidence with extremely short notice (within a day), contrary to the previous pronouncements of the PSC. The proceedings continued until 10.00 p.m.
“The report is expected to be completed and printed tonight and then be placed before the Parliament by tomorrow (8th December), which is probably the most expeditious parliamentary committee report ever in the history of parliament.” a senior lawyer told Colombo Telegraph.
Here is the update for the day;
Justices Shiranee Tilakawardane
At 10.00 a.m. Lawyers Collective of Sri Lanka (representing all lawyers groups) held a press conference in the Supreme Court Complex saluting the CJ for withdrawing from the inquiry where she had been insulted by few Government Minister Members of the PSC (Wimal Weerawansa MP and Dilan Perera MP) and when the PSC failed to follow basic principles of natural justice. She was commended by the lawyers for not legitimizing the unconstitutional inquiry that is being conducted by the PSC.
The PSC inquiry commenced around 2.00 pm where the four Opposition Members walked out the proceedings due to the bias and arbitrary nature of the proceedings. These Members specifically stated that the Chief Justice is being humiliated by several Members representing the Government. Thereafter they held a press conference in the Parliament.
All Members in the Opposition walked out the Chambers in protest against the treatment meted out to the Chief Justice by the PSC.
Nevertheless, the remaining Members (7 out of 11 who are all representing the Government) decided to continue with the inquiry ex parte, without other Members or the Chief Justice.
In the mean time, the Chief Justice through her lawyer urged the Speaker not to proceed with the inquiry until an independent external panel examined the charges and reiterates that she would face any independent inquiry.
Soon thereafter, in the afternoon, the Government MPs, those who have signed the impeachment held a press conference in Parliament and reiterate the justification of the impeachment.
The Government Information Department then informed the public that Justice Shiranee Tilakawardene was giving evidence before the PSC. This was the first time the public or the lawyers were informed that oral evidence was being led by the PSC. As pointed out in the previous updates, the PSC had previously said that the PSC would not hear oral evidence and therefore the question of cross examination would not arise. All these evidence had been lead by the Members themselves without the participation of the CJ or the Opposition Members of the PSC. The PSC is a judicial body and therefore, there is no legal validity when four members do not participate in the proceedings.
The Government had then made arrangements to prepare the Report and print it and the Government Printing Department was kept ready to print the report so that the PSC could place it before the Parliament on the 8th December (last date of the sessions in the year).
Meanwhile several witnesses, including Justice Tilakawardana,Lalith Weeratunga and Secretary of Judicial Service Commission had been summoned to give evidence with extremely short notice (within a day), contrary to the previous pronouncements of the PSC. The proceedings continued until 10.00 p.m. The report is expected to be completed and printed tonight and then be placed before the Parliament by tomorrow -8th December.
Several Opposition political parties, Trade Unions, Students’ Unions, Religious Groups and Civil Society Organisations are in the process of discussing the developments and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka is expected to meet on 8th December to take a vital decision on the issue.
