Ex judges challenge Sarath N. Silva

7 November 2011 03:04 pm

A group of retired   judges who introduced themselves as those victimized by retired Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva said today that they challenged the latter to prove his innocence if possible by appearing before the proposed parliamentary select committee which is meant to probe allegations against him.

Addressing a press conference, ex district judge C.D.Kulatilake said that there are around 40 such judicial officers victimised during the tenure of Mr. Silva from 1999 to 2009, and some of them even left the country.  Mr. Kulatilake said that some such judges were suffering from mental pain caused by harassments at that time.

“Now, a select committee is proposed to be appointed. We, as ex judges, will take up all these issues against Mr. Silva. There is no basis to argue that he cannot be probed by such a committee.

There are legal provisions for it. It is not proper for him to challenge the legality of the select committee and to scuttle its activities. He should appear before it and prove his innocence,” Mr. Kulatilake said. (Kelum Bandara)