Shirani B. refuses to enter through backdoor

17 March 2013 10:47 pm - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Controversially impeached Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, who is to appear before the Commission to investigate into allegations of bribery or corruption today has turned down a request from a Commission official to come in through the backdoor instead of using the main entrance.

The Daily Mirror learnt that Justice Dr. Bandaranayake was contacted by a Sub-Inspector attached to the Bribery Commission who asked her to enter the Commission premises from a rear entrance on Malalasekara Mawatha, Colombo 7.

In reply, Justice Dr. Bandaranayake courteously responded that she would use the main entrance in complying with the notice she had received from the Commission claiming that she did not know of any rear entrance to the Bribery Commission and she would enter from the main entrance that she was familiar with.

According to a report it is unlikely that Justice Bandaranayake would make any statement before the Commission as she had no idea as to what allegation she had to face before the Commission.

The Bribery Commission had not mentioned any allegation or charge against Dr. Bandaranayake who was controversially impeached by a government member Parliamentary Select Committee; hence she was not going to make any statement as she had not prepared for any such event, it is learnt.

Legal sources close to Justice Bandaranayake revealed there was hardly any allegation that could be framed against her with regard to bribery or corruption as she had not been involved in any such incidents while she was heading the country’s judiciary.

A legal expert told the Daily Mirror that usually when the Bribery Commission is to record a statement from a VIP or a person in the stature of a Supreme Court judge or a Chief Justice the practice was to go to her residence but such a practice was not being followed in this instance.

“Nowadays such courtesies cannot be expected from the Bribery Commission,” he said.

On March 13, the Bribery Commission asked Justice Dr. Bandaranayake to appear before the Commission. Earlier the head of the Bribery Commission Jagath Balapatabendi had stated that a probe had been initiated against Dr. Bandaranayake.

According to Justice Balapatabendi, former Supreme Court Judge the charges against Dr. Bandaranayake were not declaring in the annual declaration of assets and liabilities that should be submitted by a judicial officer the details of more than twenty bank accounts maintained in various banks including nine accounts in the National Development Bank (NDB).

The Commission Chairman Justice Balapatabendi who is also a former Supreme Court Judge had told media last January that the Commission had received a complaint against Dr. Bandaranayake, then serving Chief Justice, about accumulation of assets. The complainant against Dr. Bandaranayake had not been revealed.

However a number of independent organisations comprising lawyers and civil rights groups had condemned the move to frame Dr. Bandaranayake with bribery charges, claiming it was a ‘witch hunt on those who did not submit to the dictates of the government’.

Dr. Bandaranayake’s husband, former chairman of NSB, Pradeep Kariyawasam, who also faces corruption charges was released on bail on February 28
He faces charges before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court for causing a monetary loss to the Government to the tune of over Rs. 391 million through the unlawful purchase of shares of The Finance Company (Susitha R. Fernando)

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 - 11

lkboy Monday, 18 March 2013 03:28 AM

she doesn't like the backdoor? I thought she was a pro in it.

Jim Kuru Monday, 18 March 2013 04:15 AM

Why to go thru the back door. well done EX. cJ

jinalal Monday, 18 March 2013 04:14 AM

Do not be to rude.Please treat her as a Lady who hold a respectable posstion.

ANTON Monday, 18 March 2013 04:18 AM

Traditionally most of the government offices have no main entrances.

Fazli Monday, 18 March 2013 05:57 AM

give her the respect she deserves, dont forget she was
the CJ not long ago !

salam Monday, 18 March 2013 06:00 AM

its was requested by gothabaya

Rahmathullah M. H. Monday, 18 March 2013 06:16 AM

A brave woman. I salute her.

MM Monday, 18 March 2013 06:19 AM

Back door for others.... Not for me please......!

Die AGent Monday, 18 March 2013 07:01 AM

Please give the front door to this CJ of Rajagiriya

Ranjit Monday, 18 March 2013 07:15 AM

This the difference between the legal CJ and illegal CJ.

ravisandu Monday, 18 March 2013 10:49 AM

No wonder, Most of the institutions under this regime function mainly thro' back door dealings...

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.

Shirani B. refuses to enter through backdoor

Comments - 11

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

New Visa procedure implemented

April 15 declared a government holiday

Confusion remains if April 15 is a bank holiday

Belgian traveller scammed in Kalutara

23 year old youth ends up having his testicles removed

A US “Kaputa”, a Lankan “Nariya” and a Presidential “Feast”

MIRROR CRICKET

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Wild elephants pull down 16 telephone poles

Middleman arrested for price gouging at Kalutara eatery

Bondholders’ agreement delay won’t hinder IMF third tranche payout: Dr. Coomaraswamy

Party leaders to shoot down MPs request for concessionary duty free vehicle permits

Hardik fined Rs 12 lakh for violating IPL code of conduct after win over Punjab Kings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings