President’s remarks on pending court verdicts alleged as judicial interference - Prof. Peiris

By Yohan Basura

Former Minister and Professor G.L. Peiris has accused President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of making premature statements regarding court judgments, claiming that such remarks amount to interference with the judiciary and a serious violation of the Constitution.

Speaking at a media briefing at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party headquarters in Maradana yesterday (4), Peiris said the President had suggested he was already aware of the outcome of a case that is currently before the courts, even before the judgment was delivered.

He argued that such statements could be interpreted as an attempt to influence judges or to gain public approval, adding that this conduct is inconsistent with accepted judicial traditions in democratic societies. According to him, comments of this nature place undue pressure on the judiciary and undermine its independence. 

Peiris further noted that the concern is heightened by the fact that the remarks were made by the Head of the Executive, which he said makes the situation “completely unacceptable” in terms of constitutional governance.

He also referred to a pending case heard on April 30, with the judgment scheduled to be delivered on May 25, claiming that the President’s public comments suggested prior knowledge of the decision and encouraged public reaction in advance of its formal announcement.

Describing the situation as a threat to constitutional principles, Peiris said it undermines the foundational structure of the country’s supreme law. He added that the Joint Opposition plans to submit a formal memorandum on the matter to the Chief Justice.

He also made broader allegations regarding financial misconduct within the government, claiming that attempts were being made to divert attention from what he described as large-scale misappropriation of public funds.