Didn’t recommend Dilrukshi to any judicial post: PM

Refuting allegations levelled by President Maithripala Sirisena against him regarding Solicitor-General Dilrukshi Dias Wickramasinghe, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday he had not made any recommendation to appoint her to a post in the judiciary.

Issuing a statement, the premier said only the Chief Justice (CJ) and the Attorney General (AG) had powers to make recommendations to the President with regard to appointments in the judiciary.

“I have never violated the Constitution. The Supreme Court (SC) had ruled on those who acted unconstitutionally. I have not fallen to that category. I have not recommended Ms. Wickramasinghe to any post. Therefore, the allegation that I made such a recommendation is utterly false.

“An investigation has to be conducted on the statements made by Ms. Wickramasinghe. The AG had requested the Public Service Commission (PSC) to carry out an investigation into the matter. This probe should be expedited. Such an act will help in uncovering the name of the politician who influenced the Solicitor-General. Also, the probe will help in determining as to whether she engaged in any illegal act. Ms. Wickramasinghe had never worked at Temple Trees. The commission to probe corruption functioned outside Temple Trees. Ananda Wijepala functioned as a director. Only Deputy Solicitor-General Thusitha Mudalige participated in discussions. Therefore, the allegations levelled by the President are far from being the truth,” he said.

The Premier said he could not understand why the President had begun making allegations against him after the declaration of the presidential election.

“It is best that matters be taken up in the Cabinet if there were allegations against me or any minister. Making such allegations in the open is against the norms of democracy. It is also an irresponsible act. I will not be responding if allegations were levelled against me in the future. Therefore, I request that allegations be levelled at an appropriate platform,” he said. (Yohan Perera)