Budget Blues and Violence against Judiciary

In a significant shift, the JVP has abandoned its ideological rigidities and embraced a more pragmatic approach, acknowledging the complexities of the country’s current politico-economic realities.

This transformation is particularly evident when comparing the economic principles underpinning Budget 2025 with the positions outlined in the JVP’s Revolutionary Policy Declaration. The ideological gap between the two is stark, highlighting the party’s willingness to move beyond its earlier hardline stance in favour of policies that acknowledge economic interdependence and fiscal realities. While such a shift may appear contradictory to its founding principles, it reflects an understanding that ideological purity alone cannot address the pressing economic challenges faced by Sri Lanka today.

The JVP is not alone in adapting to changing realities; political parties across the spectrum have had to recalibrate policies in response to economic shifts. Governance now demands flexibility over rigid ideology. The JVP’s policy shift is less a betrayal than an adjustment to contemporary economic needs. Once a fierce IMF critic, it accused the institution of neo-imperial exploitation and even vowed to free Sri Lanka from its grip.

Far from being a cause for concern, this shift should be welcomed. It signals a willingness to engage with global economic realities rather than clinging to outdated dogmas that may no longer serve the nation’s best interests. The public, too, should recognize the importance of this transformation. A party’s ability to adapt and refine its policies in response to real-world challenges is a hallmark of political maturity and responsible leadership. 

As Sri Lanka navigates its economic recovery, such adaptability will be crucial in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future. President, delivering Budget 2025 in Parliament on Monday, asserted that his government had defied sceptics by securing continued IMF support while effectively managing the economy. 

Having long condemned previous governments for accepting IMF conditions, the party now found itself making similar decisions—defending budget cuts and tax hikes it had once opposed. Political observers noted this shift as part of a broader trend where parties, once in power, confront economic realities that leave little room for ideological rigidity. The JVP, once an advocate for self-reliance, now faced the same fiscal constraints as past administrations. Whether this change is seen as responsible governance or political hypocrisy remains to be seen. However, its historical stance on the IMF will continue to haunt its leadership as it navigates the country’s economic recovery. The JVP/NPP, once known for organizing strikes and protests against previous governments, now faces the same pressure from disgruntled trade unions. Following Budget 2025, several state sector trade unions, disappointed with the proposed economic measures, have threatened to strike unless their demands are met. The JVP/NPP, which once rallied against austerity, must now justify its decisions while preventing large-scale labour unrest. This shift highlights the challenges of governance, where bold promises clash with economic realities. The JVP/NPP now struggles to balance financial constraints with the demands of its support base, facing the same resistance it once led against others.

Violence against judiciary: High Court Judge Ambepitiya Assassination

Colombo High Court Judge Sarath Ambepitiya was fatally shot outside his Sarana Road residence in Cinnamon Gardens. Ambepitiya was assassinated along with his bodyguard, Police Inspector Upali Bandara, on November 19, 2004. The Chief Justice described him as “the most fearless judicial officer we had,” calling his death a great loss to the judiciary. Known for his tough rulings, he had just sentenced Sandanam Pillai Teresa to life for possession of heroin. As he and his police bodyguard, Inspector Upali of the Ministerial Security Division, exited their car, gunmen in another vehicle opened fire, killing both on the spot.

Excreta Thrown at Judge—August 2012

An accused had been indicted on charges of sexually abusing a boy in Dankotuwa and the case was to be taken up.  He had rushed out when the cell door was opened and had thrown a parcel at the High Court Judge who was on the Bench. But he missed his intended target and the parcel hit the wall. When the Police examined the parcel they found it to contain human excreta.  

 ‘Silence in the Court’

“Usaviya Nihandai,” a Sri Lankan feature-documentary directed by Prasanna Vithanage narrates the true story of Judge Lenin Ratnayake’s alleged sexual abuse of an accused’s wife in exchange for leniency. He was on remand for allegedly pawning inferior ornaments as gold. Kamalawathi, attending his court hearings, caught Magistrate Ratnayake’s eye. A defence lawyer told her to meet Ratnayake privately, claiming he could secure her husband’s release. Instead, he took her to a hotel and raped her. Upon learning this, Pushparuwan staged a desperate protest, smuggling excrement into the courtroom and hurling it at Ratnayake. The parcel struck the ceiling fan, scattering its contents and polluting the entire courthouse.

The 2015 film was screened at international festivals but was temporarily halted by a Colombo District Judge after Ratnayake sought a permanent injunction, claiming reputational damage. The film was later released. Director Prasanna Vithanage, inspired by Unfinished Struggle by Victor Ivan, explored the plight of the woman denied justice. Through records and articles, he exposed a cover-up involving the influential. Eventually, journalist Ivan and human rights lawyer Thiranagama secured some justice, leading to the judge’s interdiction, though women’s rights groups remained silent.

Hulftsdorp Murders

During CBK rule, Dhammika Amerasinghe, a suspected underworld figure, was due in court to address allegations of a trip to the 1999 World Cup but was gunned down inside a Hulftsdorp courtroom by an assassin disguised as a law student.

Speaking on the recent incident, MP Rohana Bandara claimed authorities had prior knowledge of the attack, including details about a female accomplice, yet failed to prevent the killing at the Magistrate’s Courts in Hulftsdorp.

Take Precautions : Entering a Court or Tribunal Building-UK

Court visitors must pass security screening each time they enter. They have to arrive early, especially between 9:00 and 10:00 AM.

Prohibited Items--Weapons, sharp objects, toy guns, tools, ropes, alcohol, and full-length umbrellas are banned. Security may confiscate items deemed dangerous.

Permitted Items--Phones and cameras are allowed but cannot be used for photos or videos. Drinks must be unopened or in secure containers. Prescription medicines require a labelled prescription.
Security Screening--Empty pockets, remove outerwear, and walk through a metal detector. Religious head coverings can be checked with a handheld scanner.

Confiscated Items--Most can be retrieved upon exit, but knives require a written request within 28 days and valid ID for collection.

Custody Suites & Searches--Phones and smart watches must be surrendered, though laptops may be allowed. Random searches may occur, and complaints can be filed.

Supreme Court Ruling Fuels Gun Law Confusion-USA

The Bruen ruling requires firearm restrictions to align with historical traditions, not public safety concerns.  Courts have struck down laws restricting gun ownership for domestic abusers, felony defendants, and marijuana users. Judges remain divided, making further Supreme Court action likely. Amid rising gun violence, activists debate the ruling’s impact. Some judges struggle with historical analysis, while others push for flexibility. Cases on semi-automatic weapons and ghost guns remain unsettled, ensuring continued legal uncertainty.

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