Stringent laws required to maintain discipline - CJ

Asela KURULUWANSA

Stringent laws and regulations should be in place to maintain discipline in the country. Strong punitive action should be taken against wrongdoers to set an example for others and induce them to be law abiding citizens, said the Most. Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkhita Mahanayake Thera in Kandy yesterday.

The Prelate said so delivering an anusasana when the new Chief Justice Asoka de Silva called on him at the Asgiri Viharaya in Kandy and received his blessings after visiting the Sri Dalada Maligawa and paying homage to the Sacred Tooth relic.

The Asgiriya Prelate said no one should oppose the implementation of strict laws and regulations in the country because such exercise was against wrongdoers and bad eggs in society only and not against law abiding citizens.

This did not mean that he canvassed for the re-introduction of harsh penalties which existed during the time of Sinhala kings, the Prelate said.

The Prelate who noted that some areas in the Judicial system needed revision or amendment said the former Chief Justice had attended to many of them. The Prelate requested the new Chief Justice to render a faithful and dedicated service to the public and litigants with the active support and co-operation of all parties concerned.

Chief Justice Asoka de Silva in conversation with Most. Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala Thera of the Malwatte Chapter and (Right) with Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter when he called on the Prelates yesterday. - Pictures by Gamini Ramanayake.

Chief Justice Asoka de Silva responding to the Mahanayake Thera's statements said he was always prepared to bring in people-friendly changes and amendments to the legal system. He said any counsel given in this regard by the Prelate would be most welcome.

The Chief Justice also called on the Most.Ven. Tibbotuwawe Sri Siddharta Sumangala Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatte Chapter at the Malwatte Viharaya and received his blessings. The Malwatte Prelate in his anusasana said he was certain that the new Chief Justice would conduct affairs relating to the administration of Justice in a manner that would uphold the honour of his prestigious office.

Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara, Justice Jagath Balapatabendi, High Court Judge Bandula Karunaratne and Kandy Chief Magistrate Sumudu Premachandra were also present on the occasion.