Lawyers’ collective marks one year since impeachment

The Lawyers’ Collective yesterday marked the 1st anniversary of the controversial impeachment of CJ-43 Shirani A. Bandaranayaka and urged the President to uphold the Latimer House Principles as he was now the head of the Commonwealth.

The Lawyers’ Collective described January 10 last year – the day on which she was impeached -- as Black Friday.

Attorney J.C. Weliamuna told a news conference that the impeachment of Dr. Bandaranayaka was carried out in an unconstitutional manner.

He said it was done by ignoring two decisions given by two of the highest Courts and that the legal professions here and abroad considered it as an act that violated the independence of the judiciary. Mr. Weliamuna said the legal fraternity would not forget this sad day and vowed they would continue to agitate until those responsible were held accountable.

He said the rule of law had broken down and that Dr. Bandaranayake was being subjected to severe harassment by the Government and this had to be stopped.

Srinath Perera PC said the struggle to ensure the rule of law and the protection of judicial independence was an essential ingredient for the preservation of democracy and the rights of the people.

He said the abolition of the 17h Amendment and the unlawful removal of Chief Justice-43 were two

The Lawyers’ Collective described January 10 last year – the day on which she was impeached -- as Black Friday. Attorney J.C. Weliamuna told a news conference that the impeachment of Dr. Bandaranayaka was carried out in an unconstitutional manner

setbacks faced by the country. Mr. Perera highlighted the fact that the President was Chairman of the Commonwealth and as such it was his bounden duty to follow the Latimer House principles and internationally recognised methodology in the appointment, transfer and disciplinary procedures before removing any member of judiciary whether of the lower or higher courts of the country.

Mr. Perera vowed to continue the struggle against the abuse of executive power aimed at suppressing the democratic rights of the people.

Dr. Jayampathi Wickremaratne PC said the Lawyers Collective had warned the country of the consequences if the impeachment was carried out and one year later we see the after-effects of that unconstitutional impeachment.

He said the people’s confidence in the judiciary and the judicial process had eroded because of this unconstitutional impeachment and what followed.