UK deeply concerned by move to impeach Sri Lankan Chief Justice - FCO
Tuesday, 22 January 2013
United Kingdom calls on Sri Lankan government to respect democratic principles and safeguard Chief Justice and legal profession.
Commenting on the Sri Lankan Parliament’s vote today to impeach the Chief Justice, a Foreign Office spokesperson said:
“The British Government is deeply concerned by the impeachment proceedings against Sri Lanka’s Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake. We share the concerns already expressed by many people in Sri Lanka over both the process and related reports of the intimidation of members of the Sri Lankan Bar Association. The motion to impeach the Chief Justice runs contrary to the clear rulings of Sri Lanka’s highest courts and the proceedings appear to contravene basic principles of fairness, due process and respect for the independence of the judiciaryand the Commonwealth Latimer House Principles.
“Together with our international partners, we call on the Sri Lankan Government to respect democratic principles and the right to peaceful protest and to ensure the continued safety of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake”
The Country Has Two Chief Justices, I Don’t Accept Either – Sarath Silva
By Colombo Telegraph -January 18, 2013
For the first time in its history, the country has two Chief Justices, which further damages the Judiciary, says former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva. “I don’t accept either” said Sarath N. Silva when asked whether he thinks there are two Chief Justices at the moment and who is he willing to accept as Head of the Judiciary? “I believe there should be an entirely new person. I supported the Government on the question that the Chief Justice should answer and the Courts proceedings were hasty. My perception is that in this situation the Government should have considered the most senior person in the Supreme Court. This is why I say I don’t recognise either. If the Government wants Mohan Pieris as the Chief Justice and if it is hell bent of getting him, let them get him. But at least give a breathing period till the judicial system can settle down.” he further said.
Sarath N. Silva
Sarath N. Silva made above remarks in an interview with Daily FT journalist Chamitha Kuruppu.
Sarath N. Silva said;”With due respect to him, more than anything else, Mohan Pieris was seen as a Government spokesperson, especially at international forums and especially in matters relating to the United Nations Human Rights Council. This is a very serious situation. A Government spokesman will naturally have to oppose any allegations of human rights violations. There is nothing wrong in getting former Attorney General Mohan Pieris to defend the Government’s stand. He has been doing this since he was the Attorney General, which I believe is not correct. That should have been a diplomatic exercise, not an Attorney General’s exercise.”
President visits Sarath Silva to thank for support during impeachment
Tuesday, 22 January 2013 The President had visited former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva on the night the impeachment against the Chief Justice was passed in parliament to show his gratitude for Silva’s support for the impeachment from the day it was presented. The incident had taken place on the 11th night.
The President had made an unannounced visit to Silva’s residence on Dabare Mawatha in Narahenpita, Colombo 5. Silva had warmly welcomed the President to his house. During the discussion, the President had continuously asked how he could re-pay Silva for his help.
Without giving a clear response, Silva had continued with the friendly chatter and before the President had left his house, he had hugged him and said that he did not want anything return for his help. However, he has added that the best way to repay him would be for the President to appoint a senior judge from the Supreme Court as the next Chief Justice instead of bringing someone from out.
The President had agreed and asked whom Silva would propose for the post. The former Chief Justice had immediately said that the most suitable for the post was Supreme Court judge Shirnaee Tilakawardane. The President’s faced had changed upon hearing the name, but had said, “We’ll see.” The President had quickly left Silva’s house and had been scolding Silva on his way back to Temple Trees. The President had believed that it was a conspiracy by the former Chief Justice and Tilakawardane.
