President says judiciary independence must be protected

Judges should be protected from political influence, President Maithripala Sirisena said this week, pledging to create an environment where the rule of law would be implemented. 

He made these remarks while participating in an event to open the new court complex in Wattala on Thursday.

President Sirisena said that it is the responsibility of the Government to create a conducive environment for every person to fulfill their responsibilities freely without undue influence. He also said that the Government has taken measures to solve a number of issues, including salary anomalies faced by the staff of the Attorney General’s Department and the people engaged in the law enforcement sector during the past three years.  

The President also paid attention to promotions and transfers of Judges, and pointed out the importance of establishing a special unit to submit their problems and grievances. The appointment of a three-member committee consisting of judges representing the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court to function the unit was also proposed.  

Speaking further, President Sirisena said that the prominent foundation to build a good and virtuous society in the country is to strengthen the rule of law. 

The President recalled that the objective of selecting him as the President of this country by the people in 2015 was to ensure that the rule of law, freedom and democracy of the country are preserved, as well as to build a fraud- and corruption-free country. 

President Sirisena said that, since certain individuals try to abuse the freedom and democracy established in the country, a lot of unethical practices are being experienced which are not suitable for a cultured society. He stated that it is sad to see the reports related to misuse of internet mobile phones and computers, and that it is important to take decisions regarding these matters for the sake of the people.

Thus, President Sirisena, referring to the accusations towards the Government regarding the rise of criminal activities, added that the prime responsibility regarding these issues belongs to the Ministry of Law and Order and the police department, and urged them to take swift action. 

The Ministry of Justice and Prison Reforms, under which the new court complex in Wattala was constructed, has spent Rs. 275million to complete the project and build new court complexes. The new court complex built with two floors is contains the District and Magistrate Courts as well as with Judges’ official residence, Archives, official and waiting rooms for lawyers with all the facilities. 

President Sirisena, who unveiled the commemoration plaque and the court complex, went on an observation visit. Minister Thalatha Atukorala, Minister John Amaratunga, Chief Justice Priyasath Dep, Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya, and other veterans of the field of law were present in this event.