High Court judges urge CJ to probe judges

The High Court Judges Association (HCJA) has urged the Chief Justice (CJ) to initiate an immediate investigation into the controversial telephone conversations that transpired allegedly between certain judges and MP Ranjan Ramanayake. 

The HCJA, comprising all serving High Court Judges, summoned a special committee meeting on Wednesday to discuss the widely circulating recordings of telephone conversations. 

Following the meeting, the HCJA wrote to CJ Jayantha Jayasuriya and other Judicial Service Commission (JSC) members, urging them to initiate an immediate investigation and take action to safeguard the independence of the judiciary. They added the alleged conduct of the judges could even amount to contempt of court.

The letter, signed by HCJA President, Sampath B. Abeykoon and Secretary A. K. M. Patabandige said the incidents were a serious threat to the independence of the judiciary.

The HCJA further informed the CJ and other JSC members that the alleged electronic recordings of the conversations being circulated virally have serious consequences on the public trust and the independence of the judiciary, and had gravely tarnished the image of the judiciary. They, therefore, urged the CJ and JSC members to urgently initiate an investigation and take appropriate action to safeguard the judiciary. (Susitha Fernando)