No international judges: Kiriella

• Kiriella says Govt. will try to ‘amend’ 2015 Resolution

Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella yesterday reiterated international judges will not be permitted to form hybrid courts in Sri Lanka and said the Government had worked to improve the independence of the Judiciary since it came to power. 

According to Kiriella, the Government plans to get the previous Resolution amended in favour of the country.  “Discussions are underway with the international community to amend the previous Resolution, which only sought technical assistance. The Government has never agreed to permit international judges,” he confirmed.

Kiriella said the Government has been able to win the confidence of the international community lost during the impeachment of former Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake by the former Government. 

“Now we are working closely with the international community. It was the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) that severely criticised Sri Lanka’s Judiciary during the period of a coup since 26 October. Those who now speak of war heroes jailed former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka,” he added. 

(AH)