Ousted Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake who appeared before the Bribery Commission this morning objected to certain members of the Commission on grounds of bias and will submit  preliminary objections in writing before the Commission on April 1.

In her first public appearance since the controversial impeachment Dr. Bandaranayake did not make any statement to the media and proceeded to walk to the Commission office
 
Dr. Bandaranayake had thereafter refused to give a statement as requested to the Bribery Commission stating there was apparent and actual bias in certain Commissioners and pointed out that it was a violation of natural justice.
 
Thereafter the investigating officers requested the ousted Chief Justice to file Preliminary objections on April 1^st.
 
Further, the legal team of the ousted Chief Justice informed investigating officers, that the nature and scope of the inquiry was not informed to the ousted Chief Justice, and therefore she was in no position to give a statement to the officials.
 
The investigating officers had then briefly explained the scope of the inquiry which was regarding the declaration of assets and liabilities.
 
The legal team of the Chief Justice is set to file submissions on these  grounds consequent to raising preliminary objections against members of the Commission.
 
The ousted Chief Justice accompanied by her legal team led by Presidents' Counsel Nalin Laduwahetty and Attorney-at- law Sugath Caldera arrived at the main entrance of the Commission at around 9 am this morning.

Earlier a sergent attached to the Bribery Commission had requested the ousted Chief Justice to enter the premises from the back entrance. The request was declined by Dr. Bandaranakayake.
 
They were greeted by a host of lawyers and members of the public. Dr. Bandarainayake did not make any comments to the media prior to entering the commission.
 
During this time lawyers and civilians gathered outside the commission held a silent protest carrying placards which said “stop harassing the legal CJ”.
 
After the  45 minute long inquiry Dr. Bandaranayake accompanied by Attorney at law Sugath Caldera walked out of the Commission and was hounded by eager media personnel.
 
However, Justice Bandaranayake simply said ‘no comment’ and proceeded towards her vehicle. Her lawyer Sugath Caldera also did not speak to the media.
 
Thereafter Justice Bandaranayake was driven away by her son Shaveen Bandaranaike accompanied by her husband Pradeep Kariyawasam (By Hafeel Farisz and Darshana Sanjeewa)

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