President claims no damage to country over CJ impeachment

Tuesday, 29 January 2013 01:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Nisthar Cassim

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday defended the widely criticized impeachment of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake saying in his opinion rather than cause damage it had actually been a good move for the country.

“I don’t think the impeachment has done any damage to the country. I would say it was something good,” President told editors last night at Temple Trees in his first interaction with senior journalists in the New Year.

Joined by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukkwella, the President said though it was politically opposed due process had been followed and the impeachment was based on valid grounds, some of which in fact were originally raised by the Opposition and the media. “We remain sensitive to pertinent issues raised by the Opposition and the media,” he added.

“Irrespective of shortcomings in the Constitution, the impeachment has to be done via the Parliament which is supreme,” the President said adding that going forward views on the Constitution will be taken forward by a Parliament-appointed committee to study new recommendations.

He also said that taking follow up action based on the charges framed and proved against Bandaranayake was the responsibility of relevant agencies and not Parliament. President Rajapaksa said that he referred the address by Parliament for expert opinion from four different professionals who had endorsed the PSC report.

Whilst one was named as Prof. Mark Cooray, a Sri Lankan resident in Australia, others consulted included a professional banker and a former judge.

With reference to mounting criticism from the international community, especially the west over the impeachment, President noted any development in Sri Lanka could elicit reactions but he viewed most as personal attacks.

Rajapaksa also defended the selection of former Attorney General Mohan Peiris as the new Chief Justice saying he was best suited. He said criticism about Peiris on the basis that he had previously held a position as advisor to the Government had no credence and alleged that during UNP regimes politically active persons were appointed as Chief Justices.