Fri, 29 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

Hands off Parliament, Ministers tell judiciary

23 November 2012 09:57 pm - 58     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

In a deepening conflict between the judiciary and the legislature, government ministers yesterday requested the judiciary not to interfere with the parliamentary process with regard to the impeachment motion against Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake.

Addressing a hurriedly summoned news conference in the parliamentary complex, Minister Lakshman Seneviratne said the judiciary should not interfere with this process.

“We do so with due respect to the judiciary,” he said.

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. He said this action was taken in accordance with the Constitution, and the appearance of the Chief Justice before the select committee was a democratic step.

“The MPs who signed this resolution also want to make statements about this process.  They have their side of the story regarding the allegations made against the Chief Justice. However, we refrain from doing so. We believe the stakeholders of the judiciary will act with the same spirit,” he said.

Minister John Seneviratne said the impeachment motion had been brought in terms of Article 107 of the Constitution. However, he said that there were statements critical of this constitutional process during the past few days.

“Our action is legally warranted. It is not something illegal,” he said.

Ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Jagath Pushpakumara, Deputy Minister Gamini Vijithamuni Zoisa and MP Arundika Fernando also attended the news conference. (KB)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 58

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • Shakira Saturday, 24 November 2012 04:48 PM

    It's a constitutional right. Even the US has this provision.

    Galle Gamarala Saturday, 24 November 2012 04:48 AM

    Have these Ministers declared their assets? Their reaction indicates "no".

    dave Saturday, 24 November 2012 05:09 AM

    C. Seneveratne,
    You should now all laws are being prepared/Amended/Imposed to/in the constitution done by the Parliament. It is called legistalutre. That is people power has been centred. So jundiciary also should be responsible to constitution. So who is prepared the consitution? Think Man

    Raj Saturday, 24 November 2012 05:12 AM

    Yes HANDS OFF PARLIAMENT - People will instruct those above equal at next election to hands off parliament

    After the next election those above equal will be with the safe hands of judiciary

    Shan Saturday, 24 November 2012 05:10 AM

    They are above LOW

    dave Saturday, 24 November 2012 05:18 AM

    Dear All,
    I think all of your comments are biased with Political thoughts.

    Think about the following:
    What is judiciary?
    Who Created the judicary?
    Judiciary is reponsible to whom?
    As per democrazy, all instituions or Individuals in the Country adhere to Constitution rules and regulation.
    So what is the constition? Where it is? Who amend/prepare/maintain?
    So Parliament is the most powerful instition in our Country. Because it the centre which People's power has been gathered.

    Sammy Saturday, 24 November 2012 05:22 AM

    Even though it maybe constitutionally in order, this move still undermines the independance of the judiciary. It is evident that the parliament has been made use of by the Executive for personal vendetta and is not in line with the spirit of the law.

    Mahi Saturday, 24 November 2012 05:46 AM

    You hit he nail on the head

    Mad Saturday, 24 November 2012 12:00 AM

    We can't, accept, what's happening to my beloved country,, oh God save us via DM Android App

    sapphire Saturday, 24 November 2012 05:52 AM

    The President takes oaths from CJ as high esteemed, the 8 pass people, so called Ministers are questioning the CJ, What a country & law. It is difficult to understand the situation. These 8 pass people can be appointed as CJ, so the country can go to dogs more than now.

    Lalaith Saturday, 24 November 2012 06:14 AM

    meka horage ammagen pena ahanwatath eha.

    Mason Saturday, 24 November 2012 06:37 AM

    Parliament is supreme but are the parliamentarians ? Their behavior stinks to high heaven.
    To stay the least we have a poor bunch of guys to pass judgement on CJ.

    Pathiraja Saturday, 24 November 2012 07:05 AM

    Let God save Sri Lanka from Parliament jokers

    MAN - SEC Saturday, 24 November 2012 07:08 AM

    NOW THE BALL IS IN THE PRESIDENT'S COURT BUT THE GOD IS ABOVE EVERYONE CJ IS INNOCENET SHE WILL BE SAVED IF FOUND GUILTY FORCIBLY BY THE PSC I REFER THE MATTER TO THE GOD TO DECIDE FOR A SOLUTION

    Shakira Saturday, 24 November 2012 04:47 PM

    Even the USA constitution allows impeaching Judges. Otherwise where can we go if judiciary is wrong and corrupted?

    commando 695 Saturday, 24 November 2012 04:30 AM

    PEOPLE are supreme ....NOT the Parliament.

    Gamini Saturday, 24 November 2012 05:13 PM

    Yes. It is going to be the beginning of the end.

    nevil perera Sunday, 25 November 2012 04:13 AM

    Good,
    Every thing going well.
    The thieves are not patient since they know that they are doing a wrong thing
    But CJ is more and more patient since she have not done any wrong thing.
    Although the MR would defeat her with politically, her conscience cannot be defeated.
    However things seems to be that CJ will win both ways by politically and by conscience
    I wonder Why baby is not involving in these things

    shanthi Sunday, 25 November 2012 04:31 AM

    TAKE CARE...!
    This means THEIR ' HARD POWER' Action Plan .........

    xlntgson Sunday, 25 November 2012 04:44 AM

    In US judges are not appointed!

    ling Sunday, 25 November 2012 05:29 AM

    Dave, at least you are fortunate to see this and unlike those cannot see.

    Yehiya Sunday, 25 November 2012 06:17 AM

    Sri lanka media not giving good fair coverage, but international media doing good job.

    saif Sunday, 25 November 2012 06:32 AM

    all in PAPERS

    sbd Sunday, 25 November 2012 06:30 AM

    Little knowledge is dangerous.Impeaching is provided in all countries but thereafter, charges if any has to go before Courts of Justice as it is only the Judges who are trained to interpret law and dispensate justice just like you and I can not be a pharmacist or a Surgeon unless one is trained in that profession.I hope this is clear

    Impartial guy Sunday, 25 November 2012 06:50 AM

    People telling all Ministers, Hands off Judiciary, otherwise law will come after you even after 25 years,Be aware of it.

    Yuri Sunday, 25 November 2012 08:16 AM

    I KNEW THIS BUT I DID NOT WANT TO SAY IT, SOMETIME THEY MIGHT GET SMARTER

    Luvis Sunday, 25 November 2012 09:07 AM

    Dave.I think you are biased and wearing a colored glasses.
    I have voted and worked for Poeples' alliance and UPFA in many elections against UNP's anti nationalised policies but we independent citizens of this country have never voted to become a military or dictatorship government. This government is heading to be the first of its kind if they succeed in controlling judiciary. Do we see the actual peoples verdict on the parliament.People voted for the party and not the individual and there will not be any excuses for anybody to change the party against the peoples verdict. This parliament is against the people of Sri Lanka and we've never given 2/3 rd majority for this government in last election.So is it ethical for any government to make their own constitutional changes against the peoples verdict? I don't think so.

    Yuri Sunday, 25 November 2012 09:44 AM

    Lankish line up to vote these mafia to send parliament, who ever promise to go hard ship on Tamils, then the same hand turn so its evil on who voted

    Johann Gunasekara Sunday, 25 November 2012 10:23 AM

    A crucial juncture in democracy in our country, let's hope all the lawyers in parliament put their profession and ethics before the fortunes of their porforlio

    kautilya Saturday, 24 November 2012 02:44 AM

    Deekirata Balaluth Sakki

    Union Friday, 23 November 2012 10:14 PM

    Judiciary comprises of educated people subject to few exceptions such as president's son. Parliament comprises bunch of corrupted arrogant idiots subject to few exceptions.

    C. Seneveratne Friday, 23 November 2012 10:50 PM

    If they think they are above the law, they are sadly mistaken. Bulling the CJ
    Cannot be accepted.

    Public Abilik Friday, 23 November 2012 11:15 PM

    Naduth haamuduruwonge, Baduth Haamuduruwonge. As long as Political corruption is not probed and called to task, the judiciary can stay

    Kangatta Friday, 23 November 2012 11:32 PM

    every passing day my beloved motherland is pushed into a Banana republic and see these people who is going to challenge the judiciary ?

    get a boat and land into Australia folks.

    Jagath Leanage Saturday, 24 November 2012 12:24 AM

    Judiciary is a place, similar to Temple,Church or Mosque and even where we can worship . When some unwaranted thing happen to us we go to courts and certainly we get a relief.

    So its puzling for us, what this ministers say? We never go to parliment to get reliefs as politicians canot be trusted at all or we know they betray people once the get power.

    AMT Saturday, 24 November 2012 12:55 AM

    Parliament makes the Law and Judiciary safeguards the Law
    Our parliamentarians even break the law that they make???

    faizal Saturday, 24 November 2012 01:02 AM

    Its look like a person went to teach a lesson is going to learn a lesson. What a challenge!

    faizal Saturday, 24 November 2012 01:29 AM

    Now cj has to seek justice from the thieves! The wonder of the world. So many things to learn from this tiny island by rest of the world. This is called natiom building!

    Kiwi Saturday, 24 November 2012 01:46 AM

    A perfectly legal process set in motion with ulterior motives and malice, that's the difference.

    Patriot Saturday, 24 November 2012 01:46 AM

    "Impeachment motion is legal according to the constitution" the government says. The question is whether the action is ethical in a civilized society. This constitution was introduced by late JRJ who was not given the chance to lead the country till he was old and hence had a grudge on the Sri Lankan people. He did not want Sri Lanka to Prosper. He introduced this unconstitutional constitution hoping that one day the country will be ruined by the successive leaders and that is what exactly happening now. Except Wijethunga the rest have done what exacly JRJ wanted. As such, the present government should not quote the constitution to save face.

    Lobo Saturday, 24 November 2012 01:52 AM

    If your actions are legal then why are you scared of the judiciary? Obviously you're afraid skeletons will start emerging from the cupboards.

    Cobra. Saturday, 24 November 2012 02:19 AM

    Hands off the judiciary we all tell the ministers!!!

    Upul Saturday, 24 November 2012 02:38 AM

    What about Independence of the Judiciary? That is more important!

    michael Saturday, 24 November 2012 02:39 AM

    Yes, Parliament is supreme according to our constitution

    MR GOd-say Friday, 23 November 2012 10:14 PM

    This is the punishment by the GOd for for the judgment given for innocent people for justice case to injustice judgment. Now her judgment is on the hands of MR and God

    Jiffry Saturday, 24 November 2012 03:05 AM

    Yes of course because the MP,s are highly educated and who respects the country,s law and abide.

    nicky karunarathna Saturday, 24 November 2012 03:14 AM

    Plato must be spinning in his grave on what's happening in SL. Parliament is supreme and democratically elected body by the people, for the people and people choice. Judiciary is only for check and balances and also to interpret the law what parliamnet passess. And not the other way around. The other laughable thing is - this is UNP' JRJ's consittution what they hailed as masterpiece of them.When they working on, it is good. And others does - it is bad!

    Ranil Saturday, 24 November 2012 03:30 AM

    What say you when you interfere in judicial process?

    Calistus Jayatilleke Saturday, 24 November 2012 03:30 AM

    Look who is talking ! SB, Lakshman Seneviratne regarding legal issues. Just like saying "I know the law, putha"

    Calistus Jayatilleke Saturday, 24 November 2012 03:48 AM

    They say that when God wants to destroy, he first makes them mad. So, let us hope that some good will come out of this sheer madness of government members who have now lost all sense due to absolute power. They are now on their way for self-destruction and that will do a lot of good for this country.

    Luvis Saturday, 24 November 2012 03:47 AM

    දෙය්යෝ බුදුන් ඉන්නවනම්
    වඩින්න විගහට දැන්මම
    නීතිය විතරයි තිබුනේ
    දුප්පත් අසරණ අපහට

    නීතියේ දෙවඟන හඬනවා
    පිළිසරණක් දැන් කොහෙන්ද
    දැන්වත් පෙරමුණට ඇවිත්
    රකින්න අපගේ නිදහස.

    Lobo Saturday, 24 November 2012 03:58 AM

    Is he telling the judiciary not to do their job? This stance of someone standing up to them must totally alien to them.

    mamath Saturday, 24 November 2012 04:12 AM

    They talk about 25 of them who earn pension even if they sit for one day..They have long forgotten that they represent the general public..and are answerable to them.They have forgotten the separation of powers principle..THEY THINK THEY ARE SUPREME UNTIL SOME THING DRASTIC HAPPENS TO THEM..WHICH WILL REQUIRE INTERVENTION OF THE JUDICIARY

    Lone Ranger Saturday, 24 November 2012 04:10 AM

    What ever and who ever you are, justice must and should prevail. If not it is called a Banana Republic. In Banana Republics people live in bubbles specially the so called "patriots".

    Lone Ranger Saturday, 24 November 2012 04:15 AM

    Why not say, hands off the white vans. It is then easy to understand what they mean.

    Al Rasa Saturday, 24 November 2012 04:16 AM

    Simply an action taken according to the constitution is democratic. Please do not undermine people's sovereignty (Parliament) against the Appointed Judiciary. It is not the state solely to protect the independence of Judiciary. Judges also should uphold it by their behavior. If their behavior is questionable there should be a mechanism to probe that also.

    Surain Saturday, 24 November 2012 04:24 AM

    famous parliment jokes back on the streets this time people will not watch but they ....................................................

    Gunathilaka Saturday, 24 November 2012 04:31 AM

    SB said....Has he forgotten the time he was in prison?


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H