CJ Shirani Has Been Summoned To Appear Before Bribery Commission

By Colombo Telegraph -March 12, 2013

“The Lawyers Collective learns that Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake has been summoned to appear before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (Bribery Commission), on 18th March 2013.” says the Lawyers Collective.

CJ Shirani

Issuing a statement the Lawyers Collective says; “Under the prevailing situation where politicization of all public institutions at all levels is prevalent, we are of the considered view that the government has started its much practiced witch hunts of those who do not submit to the dictates of the government. The intolerance of dissent and not leaving any space for diversity is the trade mark of those in power. The loss of confidence of the legal fraternity and the public on public institutions is therefore justified. In that context, we are of the view that the government has started its persecution of CJ Shirani Bandaranayake for her courageous stand to challenge the Impeachment.”

The lawyers at the recently concluded Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) elections have clearly shown their disapproval of the government’s intimidation of the judiciary and the need to protect the Rule of L aw and the independence of the judiciary. We call upon the government to stop post impeachment intimidation of Chief Justice Bandaranayake and the legal fraternity.

“We also urge the Government and all its institutions to respect the right of the citizens of the country to dissent and to enjoy the fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution before it reaches dangerous proportions.” they further say.

Protest against US resolution held in Killinochc​hie

[ Tuesday, 12 March 2013, 03:16.20 PM GMT +05:30 ]

Protest against the US resolution in Geneva stage at the Killinochchie depot this morning.

Youths of the civil defence force who were joined to the Army to fulfill the government policy were also present in this protest. Special bus services provided to youths arrive from Mullaitivu and Killinochchie districts. These youths together with SLFP Killinochchie district parliamentarian Geethanjalai stage protest against the US resolution in the Killinochchie depot today. Protest commenced at 10.00 am this morning infront of the Killinochchie central college and marched up to the depot junction by the A9 road. During the time of protest SLFP MP Geethajali raised slogans such as “Stop Imperialism activities against SriLanka”, “ Do not intervene in to internal issues of SriLanka” “Mahinda Rajapaksa is our only leader” and also “ No one can Mahinda regime”. Spekind the protest rehabilitated LTTE cared and the present member of Civil Defence Force said at present I have completed my rehabilitation programme and leading peaceful life in this country. However majority of youths said we all are forced to take part in these protests. We have joined the civil defence force to full fill the need of our daily bread , they said.