Mass struggle necessary to protect sovereignty of law – J.C. Weliamuna

FRIDAY, 01 FEBRUARY 2013

“A more serious situation than the impeachment of the Chief Justice has cropped up now. We have to engage in a struggle to re-establish the independence of the judiciary. I believe it is the primary requirement of the present time.

This situation would not have any bearing on lawyers. It is the people and their legal matters that will be affected. Finally we have to tell the people to be prepared for this reality,” said senior lawyer J.C. Weliamuna.

“The legal community struggled with the masses to prevent the impeachment process. However, we couldn’t stop it. There is no possibility for us to take the struggle to the same level. We have to look beyond the legal community and merge with the masses if we are going for such a struggle again.”

Explaining the situation that has arisen after the removal of Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake from the position of chief justice through impeachment process Mr. Weliamuna further said, “In such a struggle we could bring the necessary awareness. Also, as the legal community we are able to mediate in certain issues.

The whole world knows that the process adapted to remove the Chief Justice was against the Constitution and the law of the country.   Also, a new chief justice has been appointed without considering the directives by the Supreme Court. With this appointment the constitutional crisis has become chaotic. Also, the President, instead of finding solutions for the issues that have sprung up, is making new appointments.”

Manjula Tillekeratne transferred

FRIDAY, 01 FEBRUARY 2013

Mr. Manjula Tillekeratne, who functioned as the Secretary to the Judicial Service Commission, has been transferred as the District Judge of Ratnapura. However, Ratnapura already has a district judge.

Mr. Manjula Tillekeratne was attacked by thugs on 7th October. However, no one has been arrested regarding this incident yet.

Meanwhile, High Court Judge Sisira Ratnayake has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission and he is expected to assume duties on 5th February say reports.

Also, it is reported that Gampaha Magistrate Ms. Kemha Swarnadhipathy has been appointed the Additional Secretary to the Judicial Service Commission

Sisira Ratnayake, appointed as Sec. of JSC

The former secretary of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) Manjula Tilakaratne was appointed as the supernumerary District Judge of Ratnapura, while High Court judge Sisira Ratnayake has been appointed as the secretary of the JSC.