No interference in Sri Lanka’s Judiciary, President asserts

President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Thursday asserted that there is no political interference of any kind in the country’s Judiciary, as some have alleged.

Addressing a meeting with News Directors and Chief Editors of electronic and printed media at Temple Trees, the President said that the Government does not interfere in the affairs of judges or in the judicial procedures.

Speaking of the Judicial Services Commission, the President said that he as the Head of State has so far not made any statement regarding the communiqué issued by the Commission.

The Commission has the powers to decide the appointment and transfer of magistrates and district judges and the public representatives have the right to complain to the Commission, the President noted.

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) recently adopted a resolution against the alleged threat and intimidation by certain executive agencies on the Judiciary and the Judicial Services Commission (JSC)

The resolution expressed solidarity with the Judiciary, the JSC and the Judges Association who have issued two press statements on the threat and influence made by certain executive agencies attacking the autonomy of the JSC, which is an offense under the Constitution.

Meanwhile, opposition United National Party (UNP) Parliamentarian Karu Jayasuriya has also expressed concern over the alleged interference in the Judiciary by the Executive.

When asked about the Divi Neguma Draft Bill, the President said it has been directed to the provincial councils under the order of the Supreme Court.

The President explained that the job security and future progress of the workers would be consolidated through the establishment of the Divi Neguma Department.

Ministers Keheliya Rambukwella, Basil Rajapaksa and Nimal Siripala de Silva, President’s Media Director Bandula Jayasekera and Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga also participated in the meeting.