A group of Opposition members have written to Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena alleging a serious threat to the independence of the judiciary following remarks made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the May Day rally in Maharagama.
The group of opposition members includes former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi’s (ITAK) M.A. Sumanthiran, former MPs Asath Sally, G.L. Peiris, and Premnath C. Dolawatte, among others.
In their letter, the group points out that during his May Day speech in Maharagama, President Anura Kumar Dissanayake stated, with regard to a pending case, that the hearing had taken place on the previous day and that judgment was to be delivered on 25th May. He exhorted his listeners to be prepared to greet the judgment with warm applause.
The Opposition members described the statement as having the most significant implications for the integrity of the judiciary and the separation of powers, which are cornerstones of the country’s Constitution.
“The President purports to have previous knowledge of a judgment yet to be delivered. It is a fundamental principle of our constitutional system that justice must not only be done, but must manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done,” they said.
The letter further warned that this is a despicable attempt to put pressure on a judge in relation to a case being heard before him.
“The gravity of the situation is enhanced by the fact that the pressure emanates from no less than the Executive President of the Republic. It cynically erodes the foundations of our legal culture and values,” they said.
The Opposition members urged the Chief Justice to consider appropriate action, stressing their collective resolve to protect the Judiciary from vicious assaults of this kind. (Newswire)
