Video: I will lead a movement for freedom and justice: Justice Warawewa

16 August 2012 09:24 pm - 70 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Retired High Court Judge W.T.M. Warawewa yesterday said he was willing to a lead a political movement that would ensure a society in which the law was equal to all its citizens.

“People have told me that after retirement I have developed political ambitions. Yes, as a citizen of this country I have the right to develop political ambitions. My political ambitions are to stand up against the decline of the rule of law, to ensure a peaceful and free society and to cultivate a society in which all people are equal before the law. These are my political ambitions, and for this I’m willing to take the leadership in any organistaion that is willing to bring about a society like this” he said.

The retired judge who gave the dissenting judgment in the White flag case, made these remarks while speaking at a rally of the campaign to restore democracy at the New Town Hall.

Justice Warawewa went on to say that people who respected the rule of law and expected justice could not dabble in politics today.

“Today only rogues, thieves, druglords and other dubious characters can dabble in politics. It seems that no man who respects the rule of law and expects fairness and justice can do politics today” he said.

Justice Warwewa stated that the implementation of the 18th amendment was the biggest obstacle to a free and law-abiding society.

“The independent commissions that were introduced through the 17th amendment was an obstacle to the President because the rulers can’t control the state according to their whims and fancies. But after the 18th amendment was introduced even the elections commissioner doesn’t have the power to make an order to stop the abuse of state resources. That order is also issued by the president and before long it will the President who will make orders as to how elections should be held and votes should be counted,” he said.

Making a scathing attack at the current system Justice Warawewa said today there was no law in the country.

“There is no law in the country, people don’t trust the Police. Any murderer or rogue affiliated to the government is set free” he said.

Speaking further on the 18th amendment the retired high court judge said that at present the President is the head of all three arms of governance which is a grave concern.

“The president is the head of the executive, the legislature and the judiciary today. With the abolishing of the constitutional council the ruling party has all the power they want to appoint judges and this is a very grave situation” he said.

He also stated that he has sentenced many LTTE suspects after they were found guilty, but said that many of the suspects have spoken to him in court.

“When I was hearing the case of the town hall bombing the accused told court that she was only 14 years when she was arrested and that she had neither intention nor idea about the parcel being a bomb. She told that she did so because she was threatened by the LTTE to bring the parcel to Colombo” he said.

“ She asked me if the law only applies to her, when Karuna Amman, Pillayan and KP who ordered us to do these things are living like kings why have only we to suffer, she asked me” he said.

He also said that many people today are frightened to talk to him.

“Many people I meet think twice before talking to me, theyre frightened that a bullet aimed at me will hit them. This is the society we live in” Justice Warawewa said.

The retired judge urged everyone to rally together to ensure a society complete with freedom, justice and fairness to all. (Hafeel Farisz and Nishan Cassem)

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Comments - 70

Just Another Citizen Friday, 17 August 2012 06:12 AM

Finally a educated man speaks.

Dante Friday, 17 August 2012 08:32 AM

You are absolutely correct. I am with you. There is no end to this corrupt politics. All are the same, a bunch of looters of SL.

citizen Friday, 17 August 2012 07:27 AM

Bring all forces together to bring justice and get rid of corruptions.

Wijebahu Friday, 17 August 2012 06:50 AM

Sir, We need people with backbone like you to get this country to follow the rule of the Law.

RegularJoe Friday, 17 August 2012 06:41 AM

so , whoever is not a supporter of the opposition (or any faction that opposes the government) is a supporter of the government?

alex Friday, 17 August 2012 06:41 AM

nothing to get excited about , SF and Sarath Silva all made similar statements when they wanted to enter politics

NAK Friday, 17 August 2012 06:31 AM

You'd know if you read his judgement on that case,similar to podi ekage liyuma!

Pro bono publico Friday, 17 August 2012 06:32 AM

Totally agree with your logic.But "I WILL LEAD A MOVEMENT"
A CLOUD OF SUSPISION.???

Calistus Jayatilleke Friday, 17 August 2012 08:39 AM

A very brave move by an honest retired judge who had the courage of mind to give a dissenting judgement in General Fonseka's case when all other judges went along the other way to please the incumbent government. Lofty ideals like this are the need of the hour, when the majority of capable and educated people adopt the attitude of "Dena Deyak Kaala, Vena Deyak Balagent inna" society for their personal benefits. There will be many obstacles and dangers in his way with even white vans coming after him, but it is high time somebody does something to save the country.

Asim Friday, 17 August 2012 05:59 AM

Best wishes for an honest and straightforward man. Our country needs you

kane Friday, 17 August 2012 06:13 AM

So you are a supporter of the present government.

Andrew Pitugala Friday, 17 August 2012 06:03 AM

Such noble intentions which will be beneficial for all decent Srilankans to live in a just and peacefull society can be achieved only if other like minded people join hands with him. He may not be inerested in leadership or politics but I am sure would give whole hearted support to any leader who is genuinely interested in such noble intention.

Jayasiri Friday, 17 August 2012 05:59 AM

I will join you but I need guarantees with a draft of a new constitution. The current constitution should be abolished. We need a new constitution with simple meanings. Old aged compounded English sentences with double edge meanings should be avoided. So I think sir this is the best place to start, the real politics.

Sri Lankan Friday, 17 August 2012 05:53 AM

welcome sir we with you

The Man Friday, 17 August 2012 05:28 AM

UNP, SLFP, PA no different

Varuna Friday, 17 August 2012 05:38 AM

Wijepala, he is a great man because he stood in a Kandy bus queue. He would have been bad if he stood in a Kegalle bus queue,
Are you sure that the man you saw at the queue was the hon. judge ? IT could have been someone else.

Minister Friday, 17 August 2012 10:42 AM

You are a legal expert. Please draft a draft constitution for this country and forward it to the people for their perusal. Then they will decide

general man Saturday, 18 August 2012 02:27 PM

everyone is trying to start political life and becoming a party leader.and to run the country. so many came and gone. daily assurance.

Subbiah Saturday, 18 August 2012 11:27 AM

Now we understand how the LTTE which boasted to be an ethical organisation exploited innocent children.

Richardson Saturday, 18 August 2012 07:56 AM

Sir , Late Surnajith Hewamanna a civil rights lawyer tried hard,
he died a few years ago.
I trust you you knew him.He was a great man,with great ideas.

ROSHAN Saturday, 18 August 2012 07:03 AM

This kind of intellectual people we need urgently
HAT OFF TO U

Sudu Akka Saturday, 18 August 2012 12:07 AM

This retired judge is an attention seeker and is politically affiliated to a leftist political party. He has an axe to grind with the government because he was not given an extension. He now seeks the limelight and should be pitied.

Pusicat Friday, 17 August 2012 11:33 AM

Let's fight against corruptions.

Damian Friday, 17 August 2012 10:34 AM

There nothing known as "Justice" prevailing in Sri-Lanka now, this concept of Justice, is now known as "Just-us"

Padma Friday, 17 August 2012 10:50 AM

let's follow him

latheef farook Friday, 17 August 2012 05:18 AM

You can count on my wholehearted support and assistance to bring the country to what it was to make the people live in harmony.

Dash Friday, 17 August 2012 10:02 AM

Dear Mr. Justice Warewewa, Jaya Wewa. I hope Lt. Gen. Fonseka wil join you.
God Bless you Sir, I hope that one day I could actively support you in your endevaours.

Lanka Muslim, UK Friday, 17 August 2012 10:19 AM

All what he says are absolute truth. But the issue is whether he is thinking of getting involved with one of the existing political parties. If that is so, he will not be able to achieve his objectives as all the existing political parties are responsible for the present tragic state of affairs of the country as it is the gradual build-up over the last sixty years. He should rally round politically independent intelligent and honest people and built-up mass peoples' movement to bring about a complete change in Sri Lanka.

cxcb Friday, 17 August 2012 09:58 AM

When easy to cross over parties, even votes wont be make any changes.

aha Friday, 17 August 2012 09:23 AM

Most of the population does not know the wrongdoings of Sar N Silv. . Justice Warawewa has no such history as far as I am aware of

gimmix Friday, 17 August 2012 09:03 AM

in the past i would have appluded your statement and backed you if you were entering politics. but you will understand if i say to you, stop wasting our time and join to gourvenment now, without crossing over once your party is formed.

Daya Friday, 17 August 2012 08:56 AM

We need people to mass mobilize the public to raise against all the odds like what Ghandi did some decades ago. We dont need movements or new organizations for that.

rednaxela Friday, 17 August 2012 08:41 AM

Thank you, Sir. May the Triple Gem Bless You!

wije Friday, 17 August 2012 03:24 AM

I know Mr Waravava for a ling period of time. He used to be my nebhour when I was living at Hantana Housing Scheme, During that period He was serving in the High Court Kandy. I have never spoken to him in my life. But I evaluated him to be a thorough gentleman and a law abiding citizen. I have seen many a time how he parked his private car near the Bogambara stadium and waited casually without an air of a judge for his daughters who were schooling at that time. A few days back I saw him at the Fort bus stand like an ordinary citizen standing in a long queue waiting to board a bus to Kandy. He is such a great man

Habeeb Ur Rahuman Friday, 17 August 2012 03:47 AM

We are with anyone who are honest to serve the country....

Jay Friday, 17 August 2012 03:46 AM

These are the people we need to take our country forward. The UNP is in tatters. We have no opposition. The few good men in UNP should form a new party with people like Mr. Warawewa, Sarath Silva, Rienzie Wijetilake to name a few. I'm sure many other top professionals will also join in, even some gentlemen still in the government.

citizen Friday, 17 August 2012 03:58 AM

Publish contact nunbers and Webpages of any organization who is fighting for Justice and against corruption. Thanks to Mr warawawa.

Asanka Friday, 17 August 2012 03:45 AM

This is good news for the country, respected people will come forward. Will some body bring a new resolution banning retired judges contesting.. Like the monks issue .. Where I agree they should be in the temple n guide people than make mockery o the Buddhism..
Tc n may god bless you

Dilip Friday, 17 August 2012 03:43 AM

White van is on his way !

S Munasinghe Friday, 17 August 2012 03:30 AM

Dear Sir,
Congratulations.

Jayan Friday, 17 August 2012 03:26 AM

I salute you for your courage to fight injustice happening in our country.

Vipula Wijayaratne Friday, 17 August 2012 03:34 AM

Maybe simply it’s the correct judgment, not politically motivated at all

Vish W. Friday, 17 August 2012 03:56 AM

Well said Sir!
More ethical,independent,feareless professionals such as you should step forward like you have.
Sadly there aren't many left of your calibre!
More strength to your arms!
May the blessings of the Triple Gem be with you Always!

ikiboy Friday, 17 August 2012 03:40 AM

fantastic.....but beofre you come to power all leave the country.......make it fast.....we need educated people like you.....

Nishantha Friday, 17 August 2012 03:29 AM

Every person including present leaders entered politics uttering similar sentiments. But, once they come to power, they change 360 degrees. Power changes everyone.... that's the universal a universal truth that will never change.

Nandal Feranando Friday, 17 August 2012 03:12 AM

You did justice for SARATH FONSEKA.That is enough of your mission.

jay gunasekara Friday, 17 August 2012 03:10 AM

Great to see you in public telling things as they are but please don,t join losers like RW andSF as they both are throughly unsuitable for anything.they will drag down anything good.Unfortunately people like Gomin D and S L Gunasekara are not interested in politics.

PRAD Friday, 17 August 2012 03:04 AM

Sad situation. This will cast doubt over all judgement this person delieverd creating uncertainity whether those were given with political motivation.
Was divided judgment by this person in case of SF case politically motivated of Waraweva's intention?
At least now Waraweva cat is out of the bag.
Same was with Sarath N Silva.

nishadha Friday, 17 August 2012 02:38 AM

Well done sir, I am definately with you. This is the moment that all of us waiting to arrive. Need some one to lead the people and show them the way

Aruna Friday, 17 August 2012 02:35 AM

Hats off to you sir

Puravasiya Friday, 17 August 2012 02:11 AM

What he says is absolutely correct. Only very few people in the country have the guts to speak like this but most of the people still do not understand the grave situation we are facing today.

TJ Friday, 17 August 2012 04:54 AM

Have you ever given a judgment to S.L military personal for killing Tamils.

Rahumathullah Husain Friday, 17 August 2012 05:27 AM

Sir, we don't have faith in the ruling party as well as the Opposition. We, all peace loving people of Sri-Lanka, will definitely support you fully in your struggle to establish peace, law and order in our motherland.

Nimal Friday, 17 August 2012 05:33 AM

It is the need of the hour but an impossible task in this miracle of Asia.

kaslana Friday, 17 August 2012 05:14 AM

Do bad things need to happen to oneself first in order to fight for justice, equality and safe guard the rights of others?

Walter Friday, 17 August 2012 05:26 AM

Great aspirations. It is sad that there are too many individuals standing up by themselves rather than uniting to fight the plight of Sri Lanka. Ret. Justice must act with Venerable Sobitha of the Naga Vihara and other such people to form a strong opposition to injustice. However, their lives will be in danger.

sam selvarajah Friday, 17 August 2012 05:01 AM

Sir,
Congratulations for coming forward. More will follow you. Good luck. May God bless you.

GSK Friday, 17 August 2012 04:47 AM

we need more people like you, the time has come to fight for our rights, we can’t tolerate this anymore, if people like you there to leads us, i am sure most of the younger generation will follow and support you !! Waiting for that day !!

Real peace Friday, 17 August 2012 04:45 AM

Sir, I salute your courage but please do not demand the leadership. You will do a great service to the nation by uniting all opposition parties to fight the lawlessness.

jack Friday, 17 August 2012 04:45 AM

Your addressing is what we all in badly need at this juncture.
Bold announcement as a retired high court judge.

Fefe Friday, 17 August 2012 01:45 AM

We need educated people like you to govern the country.

Welcome....

Lobo Friday, 17 August 2012 04:40 AM

Not being negative but its only those not in power who have these grand notions. Once in power it's all forgotten. The JHU is a classic example.

Fazli Friday, 17 August 2012 04:28 AM

ACTIVE POLITICS is a high pressure game, hope you live upto the challange.

Em Friday, 17 August 2012 04:19 AM

Where did he come from.. where is Sarath N Silva now.. by the way a good statement

perera Friday, 17 August 2012 04:21 AM

ARE YOU SAYING HE MIGHT DO A U TURN ON HIS PREACHINGS?
PERHAPS YOU BELIIEVE IN HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF

Kautilya Friday, 17 August 2012 04:11 AM

Excellent move Sir. Decision is timely.Country is in chaos.Education,health,energy, finance, law and order are in tatters. Your entry into politics of good governance is a shocking bombshell to incumbent policy makers.

independent minister Friday, 17 August 2012 04:00 AM

Firstly these rulers should be given the treatment given to Prabhakaran then all can enter into the world of wonder.

LankanFellow1 Friday, 17 August 2012 04:00 AM

Welcome... I wonder what is the verdict given to the 14 year old girl...As a srilanka she too needs the right answer for her question....

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Video: I will lead a movement for freedom and justice: Justice Warawewa

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