Blocking Divi Neguma, is real reason for ousting CJ : Arundika

Real reason for wanting her removed is her interference with DN Bill

UPFA Puttalam district MP Arundika Fernando said as a person who was mainly involved in bringing an impeachment motion against the Chief Justice he could say the real reason why the government wants her removed was because of her in- terfering with the national movement to make ‘Divi Neguma’ into a Department.

“An impeachment motion was brought against the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Whatever is said, we cannot hide the truth. Why the government wants her removed is for interfering with the national movement to make this Divi Neguma into a Department. I am saying this as a person instrumental in this,” he said addressing a seminar attended by Samurdhi officers, graduate trainees and village level Samurdhi society representatives held at the Kekirawa Divisional Secretariat Auditorium.

“What is the reason to stop the Divi Neguma Department Bill? What did she do? Put it to the Provincial Councils. She attempted to create a conflict between the central government and the provincial councils saying that the central government is trying to grab the subjects under provincial councils. After the provincial councils approve it then it is referred to the Northern Provincial Council for approval. The provincial council has not been established there yet and no election has been held for it. Therefore the government decides to bring an impeachment motion,” he said. “There are personal malpractices and malpractices done using the position. During J. R. Jayewardene’s time an im-

She was appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court by G.L. Peiris who had been the Dean of the Law Faculty at that time and during Chandrika Bandaranaike’s regime

peachment motion was brought against Chief Justice Neville Samarakoon citing that he criticised the government at a function in a school. It has come to be known that the charges against her are more serious,” he said.

“She was appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court by G.L. Peiris who had been the Dean of the Law Faculty at that time and during Chandrika Bandaranaike’s regime. There were many objections to her appointment at that time. But later President Mahinda Rajapaksa made her the Chief Justice. She has now challenged the Divi Neguma Bill which has been formulated to uplift the living conditions of village folk,” he said.

“President had a high regard for Sarath Fonseka those days. It is believed he changed on his way to China when he had stopped in Singapore where the CIA had accosted him. It is the same with this judge. This situation is evident in many countries like Pakistan. If the ruling government is popular and not aligning towards USA and the powerful Western Countries and the opposition is weak, they scheme and woo senior government officials in order to create situations that interfere in the affairs of countries like Sri Lanka,” he said.

This meeting was attended by Kekirawa SLFP organiser and PC member Weerasena Gamage, Kekirawa Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman M.G. Prabath Weerasena and several local council members.