Sajith warns of threat to judicial independence, vows appeal in MP Wijesiri case
COLOMBO – Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on Tuesday (28) accused the government of undermining judicial independence, alleging that the Executive was attempting to consolidate control over the Judiciary through proposed reforms and delays in filling vacancies in the country’s superior courts.
Speaking to reporters outside the Badulla court complex shortly after a judgment was delivered in the case involving Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Chaminda Wijesiri, Premadasa said Sri Lanka’s democratic system was under threat.
He said the SJB respected the independence of the judiciary and would challenge the court’s ruling through the appellate process.
“We have the utmost respect for the courts and for judges. We believe justice can be achieved through the proper appellate process, and after consulting the team of President’s Counsel representing us, we will certainly file an appeal against the judgment,” he said.
Premadasa expressed confidence that Wijesiri would ultimately receive justice, describing him as a fearless and effective representative who had consistently raised issues affecting the public in Parliament.
” Chaminda Wijesiri is not only an important representative for his electorate and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, but also for the people of Sri Lanka. We believe justice will prevail through the judicial process,” he added.
Turning to broader constitutional issues, the Opposition Leader claimed the country’s democratic institutions were facing increasing pressure.
“Sri Lanka is a democratic country, and under no circumstances should authoritarianism be allowed to emerge,” Premadasa said.
He alleged that the Executive was seeking to encroach on the powers of the Judiciary, pointing to the government’s proposal to increase the retirement age of judges and the continued failure to fill vacancies in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
According to Premadasa, these developments pose a serious threat to judicial independence, democracy and the sovereignty of the people.
He further claimed that democracy depends on the separation of powers, checks and balances, the rule of law and an independent judiciary, warning that the Executive was attempting to weaken those safeguards.
Premadasa also alleged that the government was preparing constitutional amendments that would further strengthen Executive control over the Judiciary, although he did not provide details of the proposed changes.
–ENCL
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