11 January 2013, Colombo, Sri Lanka: The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) 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.
11 January 2013, Colombo, Sri Lanka: The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) 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.
Tamil Canadians Condemn Impeachment of Sri Lankan Chief Justice
For Immediate Release
January 11th, 2013
Tamil Canadians Condemn Impeachment of Sri Lankan Chief Justice
Toronto, ON – The Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) is deeply concerned about the impeachment of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake of the Sri Lankan Supreme Court.
Today, with an overwhelming vote of 155 to 49, a resolution was passed in the Sri Lankan Parliament to impeach the Chief Justice. The vote in Parliament took place despite rulings from the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court stating that a move to impeach the chief justice would be illegal.
The Canadian Tamil Congress categorically condemns this illegal act and is concerned that this will further undermine any prospects for peace in the country. "This impeachment is a deplorable move that undermines the independence of the judiciary, the rule of law and any semblance of democracy left in the island," says David Poopalapillai, National Spokesperson for the Canadian Tamil Congress.
CTC calls upon the Canadian Parliament to follow the British Parliament’s recent debate on Sri Lanka and to put Sri Lanka on notice that if democracy is not restored, Canada will take decisive actions to express its concern.
CONTACT: For media inquiries, please contact David Poopalapillai at the Canadian Tamil Congress at 416.240.0078.
