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Prez, PM or Justice Minister can’t intervene in judicial matters

18 August 2017 05:53 pm - 38     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, responding to remarks made by Deputy Minister Ajith P. Perera, said today that neither the President, Prime Minister nor the Justice Minister had powers to intervene in judicial matters.

He said the possibility of appointing a special court had been discussed in the Cabinet and added that the Attorney General had also given written advice to the government on the matter.

“We are acting on the advice of the Attorney General,” the minister said.

He said the government was given a mandate in January 2015 to ensure an independent judicial system in the country and added that independent commissions were set up under the 19th Amendment to the Constitution to uphold the independence of the judiciary under Yahapalanaya principles.

“The judiciary and the Attorney General’s department act as independent institutions today. The Attorney General’s Department has the complete independence to act on the reports given by the police on their investigations based on the principles accepted by the world,” he said.

Minister Rajapakshe said in a video posted on his Facebook that, according to the Constitution, the judiciary and the AG’s department were functioning on two basic principles such as equality before law and the accused is considered not guilty until he is convicted by a court of law.

The Minister said no one who had read the Constitution at least once would make allegations against him and added that if someone doing so was only exhibiting his ignorance before the world.

“We can do nothing than pity the people who make such allegations. Some politicians who come before the media and television cameras try to show they are “Mahoshadas” but the viewers know they are actually playing the role of “Kewattayas”, he said.


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  Comments - 38

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  • Park Friday, 18 August 2017 06:33 PM

    There is a saying my Grandmother use to tell: The guy who did not know to dance was complaining of the uneven floor.

    ceylon Friday, 18 August 2017 06:34 PM

    no one need to interfear if the system function.everybody interfear if it not function.judiciary is not allowed to function by you. via DM Android App

    ceylon Friday, 18 August 2017 06:37 PM

    this man is talking like he is age 10.judiciary is not follow laws of the country.it save criminalscorruptions extreme openly.he is out of mind.just like a heavily drunk person. via DM Android App

    ceylon Friday, 18 August 2017 06:39 PM

    presidentpmjustice minster there to handle the proper function of governing.otherwise they are for what .this man is now talking to children. via DM Android App

    REW Saturday, 19 August 2017 09:01 AM

    If Wijedasa has no answer to these long delays in justice, he must move away to let someone else who can think more than him to find a solution. Otherwise the legal system in SL now, stinks.

    DJ Friday, 18 August 2017 07:01 PM

    What a long story to explain a simple point. Justice delayed is justice denied. Just go to cours and see how cases are postponed at the drop of a hat. It is a money spinner. Likewise the bunch if political thieves cases never show up.

    Marmanadai Friday, 18 August 2017 07:23 PM

    Mr Minister. What is your role as a minister for justice? When things are not moving forward it is your duty to give resources and guidance. If that is not your duty then why waste the public resources, just resign and give up your perks.

    Sincere Friday, 18 August 2017 07:27 PM

    Enough of these jokes. We are fed up with them. We expected the Government to work for the country and not fight like kindergarten kids.

    SF Friday, 18 August 2017 07:58 PM

    This man is trying to deceive the public. There is no 'intervening' issue as such. It is your duty to provide necessary infrastructure to minimise the delays in judicial matters.

    Mr.Traitor Friday, 18 August 2017 08:22 PM

    We know all this

    Upul Friday, 18 August 2017 08:34 PM

    Mr. Wijedasa or Dealdasa, are you not the person who openly said that as long as I am the justice minister I will not allow certain people to be jailed?

    ceylon Friday, 18 August 2017 08:36 PM

    main reason for these traitarous actions are due to stupid type man as president.sirisena is curse to the country. via DM Android App

    Asrar Friday, 18 August 2017 09:01 PM

    Dealdasa try to become next common candidate , day dreaming

    Kamal Friday, 18 August 2017 09:12 PM

    Mr. Dasa so many powerfuls in previous regime, and as well as by the present regime have planted permanent representatives in judicial organizations to interfear in to the cause of justice. Your statement is a crop.

    Sam Friday, 18 August 2017 09:38 PM

    You are correct Sir.Let some of those Kewattayanta dance in the stage

    Adwani Saturday, 19 August 2017 06:35 PM

    He himself is a blady KEWATTAYANTA

    TONY Friday, 18 August 2017 09:40 PM

    WHY ARE DISGRUNTLED MINISTERS MAKE STATEMENTS IN PARLIAMENT AND TENDER RESIGNATION. IS THIS A NEW CULTURE

    Gos Saturday, 19 August 2017 07:45 AM

    Ajith Perera is an insult to the legal profession. He claims certain people are guilty of crimes even before charges are brought against them before the court, readsout police B reports of cases to the media, claims certain suspects are guilty because he is aware there is clear evidence against them although no cases are even filed against them. He has also made statements in contempt of court several times. Wonder how he ever qualified to be a lawyer ? BASL should take action to disbar him as he is a disgrace to the profession.

    sathees Saturday, 19 August 2017 07:50 AM

    He should go!

    Talker Saturday, 19 August 2017 07:51 AM

    What else can the fellow say to defend himself ? Take all he says with a "cup" (Not "pinch") of salt. !

    Dam Saturday, 19 August 2017 08:00 AM

    Yes ... we know Minister. You don't have to tell us. But you did get involved indirectly with your influence ... you cannot hide or deny .... there is "no fire - without smoke"

    Jagath Leanage Saturday, 19 August 2017 08:31 AM

    Why not? Can you remember how then c.j. sirani bandaranayake was ousted ?

    johan Saturday, 19 August 2017 08:35 AM

    Then why he is interfering.Already FCID,CID has complained to MS that one powerful minister is not allowing the cases to go forward in the correct directions.We know that most of them are your friends and you cannot take any action as Justice Minister ,better to hand over the job to some other young minister who are capable of doing.

    Lord Wolfstein Saturday, 19 August 2017 08:38 AM

    This is not correct Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe. The government can take administrative measures. This means that special departments can be established at the public AG's office and the courts, which deal with cases of corruption quickly and preferentially. Furthermore, instructions can also be given that special cases are preferably processed. Also, the Minister of Justice has the right to discipline prosecutors and judges who do not perform their work properly. This is all allowed by the constitution and also customary around the world.

    Perumal Saturday, 19 August 2017 08:55 AM

    Go Rajadurai go, without bluffing any more!!!

    TJ Saturday, 19 August 2017 06:31 PM

    His comments show that he is either is too immature to to hold this position or he thinks that the masses are a bunch of asses.

    HERO Saturday, 19 August 2017 06:31 PM

    BUT MR AND GOTHA COULD. EXAMPLES EX.CHIEF JUSTICE SHIRANI BANDARANAYAKE AND THE WAR HERO FIELD MARSHAL SARATH FONSEKA. . via DM Android App

    BuffaloaCitizen Saturday, 19 August 2017 06:34 PM

    Oh yes, then how come many cases such as Samsudeen, Lasantha, Ekneligoda etc are taking a different turn now? How come Duminda ended up convicted and did not earlier? How come Ex-AG Marapana is now in politics and FM? How come ex-AG Mohan was appointed CJ in 24H after unceremoniously kicking out CJ Shiranee? How come court cases against armed forces abuses against northern civilians always end up without conviction and no proof?

    WHITE WASH Saturday, 19 August 2017 06:41 PM

    " Prez, PM or Justice Minister can’t intervene in judicial matters " - Wijedasa has quoted Prez

    TELL IT TO THE MARINES Saturday, 19 August 2017 06:42 PM

    "Tell it to the Marines" is a catchphrase, originally with reference to Britain's Royal Marines, connoting that the person addressed is not to be believed

    Mahen Saturday, 19 August 2017 06:47 PM

    This man can tell this to the Konde Banthapu Cheena!

    Snowy Saturday, 19 August 2017 07:02 PM

    Sir, honest "Kewattayas” are better that corrupt "intellectuals". It is the for Wije to bye bye. From me it is the trademark farewell 'Sayonara". This term in not normally used in Japan unless it is a final parting.

    Lanka Shantha Saturday, 19 August 2017 07:35 PM

    Do you believe Karma and in Instant Karma?Wait and see what happens to wrong doers.

    r fernando Saturday, 19 August 2017 09:22 PM

    Pls join the joint opposition OPENLY.

    RFernando Saturday, 19 August 2017 09:30 PM

    Dealdasa pls go home your game is up.

    Kiris Baba Amaray Saturday, 19 August 2017 10:19 PM

    Wijedasa you wanted to protect your boss Mahinda and your JO rotters who looted our country in billions..... touch your heart man, are you suitable to be a Justice Minister. No. Man....

    S.T.M. Jabeer (Attornery-at-Law) Saturday, 19 August 2017 10:21 PM

    Sir, how many billions you got from MR to protect his family members and JO culprits. (MR paid you this money out of his looted fund)

    Samsan Samarawickrame Saturday, 19 August 2017 10:24 PM

    Weerawansa and Gamampilla plus Namal baba are the main culprits who played out poor man's money. You are protecting all the worst


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