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.
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.
Lawyers Collective
12 March 2013
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