GL clashes with Canadian Senator over CJ impeachment
SATURDAY, 23 MARCH 2013
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A heated exchange took place at a guest-lecture by visiting Canadian Senator Hugh Segal at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute yesterday when the impeachment of Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake arose during the ensuing question and answer session.
Responding to a journalist, Senator Segal said the Canadian Federal Court and the Supreme Court had given many rulings against the Canadian Government on the issue of the ‘first nations’, which constitute four percent of the total population.
“We [the government] have suffered as a matter from our courts but we didn’t impeach the Chief Justice as a result,” the Senator said.
Making his closing remarks External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L Peiris lashed out at Mr. Segal for his comment on the impeachment.
“I take exception to this remark which was the only unwarranted and inappropriate remark made. Had I not been your host I would have reacted more sharply. I would not have dreamt of making such a remark if I were visiting your country. I am appalled and taken aback by it because there is no nexus in this,” Prof. Peiris said. (Hafeel Farisz and Lahiru Pothmulla)
SATURDAY, 23 MARCH 2013
Shashendra Rajapaksa, the nephew of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and son of the Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, has been given the opportunity of continuing as the Basnayake Nilame of Ruhunu Maha Katharagama Devalaya through an extra special gazette No. 1807/39 issued on 15th March without any election.
The gazette with the signature of Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne has exempted Ruhunu Katharagama Devale, in which Chief Minister for Uva PC Shashendra Rajapaksa is the Basnayake Nilame, from clause 12 (a) of Buddhist Viharas and Devalagam Temporalities Act which states that the period a person could hold the post of Basnayake Nilame could be extended only by two years.
According to Buddhist Viharas and Devalagam Temporalities Act A Basnayake Nilame could be in the post for five years since the day he is appointed and the President could extend his term for two years if he is found efficient.
The extended period of Mr. Shashendra Rajapaksa after his normal period of five years ended on 15th March. The Prime Minister has issued the aforementioned gazette when an election to the post was due.
Shashendra Rajapaksa as the Basnayake Nilame of Ruhunu Maha Katharagama Devale was not eligible to hold the post of chief minister of Uva PC. However, through an extra special gazette of 1614/30 dated 14th August, 2009 President Mahinda Rajapaksa exempted him from clause 14 (a) and (b) of the Buddhist Viharas and Devalagam Temporalities Act.
Ruhunu Maha Katharagama Devalaya is one the religious places in Sri Lanka that earns millions daily as contributions from devotees.
