Chief Justice Impeached
Chief Justice is impeached a short while ago. Parliament votes 155 for the motion 49 against it and 20 abstained . Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa said that motion against the Chief Justice was passed in parliament.
Issuing a press statement the United States Embassy Colombo says it remains deeply concerned by the impeachment proceedings against Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, which were conducted in defiance of a Supreme Court order. This impeachment calls into question issues about the separation of powers in Sri Lanka and the impact of its absence on democratic institutions.
The Embassy is also concerned about accounts of violence during several of the protests. The Embassy calls on all sides to respect the right of peaceful protest, and calls on the government to ensure that non-violent protesters are protected.
“The United States, along with our partners in the international community, continue to urge the Government of Sri Lanka to uphold the rule of law and respect the principles of democratic governance” the US says.
Meanwhile the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) says it vehemently condemns the resolution passed by Parliament today to impeach Sri Lanka’s Chief Justice, Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake. This follows CPA’s statement issued on 8th January 2013 welcoming the judgment of the Court of Appeal and determination of the Supreme Court and calling for Parliament to comply with the law.
“This unnecessary and regrettable move by the legislature today has deeply debilitating consequences for constitutional governance, and demonstrates the contempt in which basic principles of democracy and the rule of law are held in Sri Lanka today. Notwithstanding this, CPA hopes that the constitutional crisis facing us may yet be addressed responsibly, with restraint and in adherence to the Constitution.” the CPA further says.
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Hold Those Responsible For The Unconstitutional Impeachment Accountable – Lawyers Collective
By Colombo Telegraph -January 11, 2013
“Our proud judicial history has been tarnished. The ill-advised impeachment mooted by a few politicians was solely to protect their political power. Hold those responsible for the unconstitutional impeachment accountable. This is our plea to the national and international community.” says the Lawyers Collective.
We publish below the full text of the statement;
Black day in history of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s Chief Justice has been impeached. The whole process was unconstitutional and politically motivated.
Repeatedly institutions, intellectuals, political parties and individuals – at national and international level – requested the Government not to proceed with the impeachment. All such requests were ignored. Even those by religious dignitaries were thrown away. The Highest Court of the land declared that the impeachment was unconstitutional. The Government turned a deaf ear to all this. It proceeded with the impeachment which concluded today.
This experience has tested the conscience of our Nation. It has hurt the very foundation of democracy in Sri Lanka. The damage caused is irremediable.
Our proud judicial history has been tarnished. The ill-advised impeachment mooted by a few politicians was solely to protect their political power.
Hold those responsible for the unconstitutional impeachment accountable. This is our plea to the national and international community.
