Parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekara has formally written to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne requesting clarification on a series of allegations raised in Parliament concerning Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena.

In his letter, Jayasekara noted that several Members had recently presented serious claims in the Chamber, including matters relating to the Chief Justice’s family assets, personal documentation, and his role in the X‑Press Pearl compensation case.

Among the allegations highlighted were:

• Acquisition of assets said to involve Rs. 185 million and a luxury house in Colombo, linked to the Chief Justice’s son.
• Questions on asset declarations and their sources.
• Doubts over personal documents including birth and marriage certificates.
• Concerns about delays in judicial proceedings connected to the X‑Press Pearl case.
• Claims of undue influence between family assets and the compensation process.

Jayasekara stressed that he had not reached any conclusion on the truth of these allegations, but warned that ignoring them could undermine public confidence in the judiciary. 

He argued that if proven true, the claims would raise grave concerns about judicial independence, ethics, and the rule of law, requiring investigation by competent independent authorities.

Conversely, if false, he said their public airing in Parliament could cause serious harm to the Chief Justice’s reputation and the dignity of the judiciary, making clarification essential.

The MP asked the Speaker to confirm whether evidence or documents had been submitted to Parliament, whether preliminary inquiries had been initiated, and whether the matters would be referred to independent authorities.

He also sought clarification on whether the Attorney General’s Department or other institutions had provided official responses regarding the X‑Press Pearl case.

Jayasekara concluded that his request was not intended to disrespect the Chief Justice or the judiciary, but to ensure that if the allegations are true, justice is upheld, and if false, the integrity of the judicial system is protected. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has nominated Supreme Court Justice Preethi Padman Surasena to be the next Chief Justice of Sri Lanka, pending approval from the Constitutional Council, which is scheduled to meet on Wednesday (July 23)

Current Chief Justice Murdu Fernando is due to retire on July 27, with a formal farewell speech planned before the Supreme Court on July 25.

Justice Surasena, one of the most senior judges on the Supreme Court bench, previously served as a member of the Judicial Service Commission.

He has presided over several high-profile cases and currently chairs the special parliamentary committee investigating misconduct allegations against IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon. (Newswire)

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A three-member investigation committee has been appointed pertaining to the removal of suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon from office.

The newly appointed committee will be headed by Supreme Court Justice Preethi Padman Surasena.

Justice Neil Iddawela and National Police Commission Chairman Lalitha Ekanayake are the remaining members of the committee. 

In March, the government announced its decision to submit a motion to Parliament to remove suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon from his position.

Thereafter, a letter signed by 115 NPP Parliamentarians, calling for the removal of Deshabandu Tennakoon, was handed over to the Speaker.

In April, a resolution to appoint a committee of inquiry to investigate the removal of Deshabandu Tennakoon over alleged misconduct and abuse of power was passed in Parliament.

The motion, presented by NPP MP Lakmali Hemachandra, received 151 votes in favour, with no opposition. (Newswire)

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