Ranil raps media, says there is no clash between the Parliament and the Judiciary

By Ashwin Hemmathagama – Our Lobby Correspondent

Leader of the Opposition Ranil Wickremasinghe in Parliament yesterday highlighted the action media should follow when a proposal is made in par with Article 107 in the Constitution and suggested Speaker to take action against state media according to Standing Order 142 to prevent them from criticising the Judiciary and the judges despite the ongoing investigations against Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake.

“If there are charges against a judge about his position, having followed a procedure the decision will be taken by this house. A proper program is in place to decide on such. But see what is taking place. Media is attacking the Judiciary at large. We need to stop this as it is connected to an individual. We shouldn’t allow the attack on the entire Judiciary, especially from the state owned media,” he said.

“We don’t have issues about the judges other than as an individual. We need to limit this to Parliament if concerned about the independence of the Judiciary. We can continue to debate on other reports, which could follow later. There is no clash between the Parliament and the Judiciary. We are not anticipating a friction between these two. There are different stories about the Chief Justice but I don’t think that it is appropriate to bring them up.

“If media continues to publish details on an ordinary case, it could be unfair for the accused, petitioner, respondent, plaintiff, witnesses, or a commission. On my way, I saw placards stating ‘Shameful Madam’. These are not necessary and you can take action to prevent such. With media coming into the picture it has become a huge war.

“State media is directly hitting the Judiciary while private media is taking on the state media. Unfortunately people blame me for these. I haven’t done anything. If they want to blame the Government they should do that rather bringing me into this. I haven’t opened my mouth yet. I think it is unfair for me to do so. Speaker, you can take action in par with Standing Order 142 to prevent the state media from continuing this and to pronounce justice.

“MP Wijedasa Rajapakse is the President of the Bar Association elected unanimously. He has a responsibility. He consulted me but I have promised him to give opportunity at a different platform. According to our party constitutions, he is unable to raise a privilege issue. I know that the sort legal action put in place when the 13th Amendment was introduced. Let him carry on. Otherwise we will be identified for attacking lawyers.

“All what I want to tell you is that we need to protect the honour and the integrity of the judges. If necessary when the time comes I will speak on Judiciary and its powers, Chief Justice and her powers, and the Parliament,” said Opposition Leader Wickremasinghe.