President’s Counsel and attorney Upul Kumarapperuma says a recent court ruling linked to a former minister Sanath Nishantha’s brother marks an important moment in reinforcing the rule of law, while attorney Akalanka Ukwatta says unlawful political interference that was once common is no longer taking place.
Addressing a media briefing held at the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna headquarters in Battaramulla on Monday, the two lawyers referred to a ruling delivered by the Chilaw High Court over an incident dating back to 2008.
Speaking at the briefing, Akalanka Ukwatta said politically backed acts of intimidation and violence were once frequently reported, with several incidents emerging each month. He said public officials, including Grama Niladharis, Samurdhi officers, teachers and principals, had often faced pressure and attacks during that period.
Referring to the Chilaw case, he alleged that political influence had been used to interfere with officials carrying out legal duties related to state land and timber investigations, and noted that legal action had later been filed through the Attorney General under the Penal Code.
President’s Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma and Ukwatta said the recent ruling strengthens confidence among state officials and reinforces the principle that the law should apply equally to all citizens.
Ukwatta further said public institutions such as the Criminal Investigation Department and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption summon individuals for information gathering as part of investigations, and that cooperating with such processes supports the rule of law.
He also claimed that under the current administration, space has been created for public servants to perform duties without unlawful political intervention and that judicial processes would provide protection to those acting within the law. (Newswire)