Sri Lanka legislature warns judiciary to keep off the PSC on impeachment of Chief Justice

Widening the rift between the legislature and judiciary Sri Lankan parliamentarians yesterday warned the judges, attorneys or other related parties not to interfere with the proceedings of the parliamentary select committee probing the charges against the country's Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake. Addressing a news conference in the parliamentary complex following the first session of the PSC Friday, the government parliamentarians said they expect the judicial officials to assist in continuing proceedings of this legal and constitutional action independently, as well as in a dignified manner without causing any hindrance as the process is fully legal as well as constitutional. The parliamentarians participating in the media briefing appreciated the Chief Justice's appearance at the first session honoring the provisions of the Constitution and the Supremacy of Parliament. Dr. Bandaranayake appeared before the PSC yesterday with her legal counsels. The PSC has asked her to submit additional materials on her answers to the 14 charges brought against her through the impeachment motion before the next session scheduled for 4th December. Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister W.D.J. Seneviratne noted that the impeachment motion has been moved under provision 107(2) of the Constitution, but various organizations and persons have discussed the matter violating the provisions of the Constitution. "Our action is legally warranted. It is not something illegal," he said. Addressing the media briefing, Higher Education Minister S.B. Dissanayake said the Parliamentary Select Committee has started probing the charges against the Chief Justice based on a resolution submitted by 117 MPs under the provisions of the Constitution. He explained that the provisions in the Constitution allow maintaining the checks and balance between the arms of State, Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, and the action was taken in accordance with the Constitution. Appearance of the Chief Justice before the select committee was a democratic step, he said. Minister Lakshman Seneviratne stressed that the legislators proceed with due respect to the judiciary and judiciary therefore should not interfere with this process. Ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Jagath Pushpakumara, Deputy Minister Vijith Vijithamuni Zoysa and MP Arundika Fernando also participated in the news conference.