Judicial Service Assn denounces EP Parliament resolution

The Judicial Service Association of Sri Lanka (JSAL) has denounced the contents of the recent resolution by the European Parliament based on the controversial Darusman Report, asserting that there is no lawful basis for the EU Parliament, based on this Report, to interfere with the Sri Lankan judiciary. A resolution unanimously adopted by the JSAL states:

“Whereas the Judicial Service Association of Sri Lanka consists of all District Judges and Magistrates numbering 210, which is over 67 percent of the total number of members of the Judiciary of Sri Lanka. “And whereas, the Judicial Service Association is an organization focusing strongly on upholding the dignity and the standards of the judiciary. “And whereas, as the professional organization representing the minor judiciary of Sri Lanka, the Judicial Service Association is deeply concerned about the recent resolution by the European Parliament based on the report of the United Nations Secretary General’s Panel of Experts on Accountability in Sri Lanka which was released on March 31, 2011, particularly where the said resolution has commented on “worrying lack of independence of the judiciary.”

”And whereas, the Judicial Service Association of Sri Lanka takes serious note of the contents of the said resolution and wishes to express its concerns with conviction and responsibility.

”And whereas, the Independence of the Judiciary is strongly guaranteed by the Constitution of Sri Lanka and our courts of law decide matters impartially based on facts and in accordance with the law without any inappropriate or unwarranted interference.

“And whereas, judicial proceedings are conducted fairly and the rights of the citizens are respected irrespective of race, religion or their political affiliations. And whereas, Sri Lanka has a well equipped criminal justice system to uphold the rights of citizens while complying with the principles of International human rights law.

”And whereas, the Judicial Service Association of Sri Lanka finds that the contents of the said resolution are baseless and its findings are not supported by any material facts.

”And whereas, the Judicial Service Association is deeply concerned about the possible serious impact of the said resolution on the Independence of the Judiciary.

”And whereas, the Judicial Service Association of Sri Lanka wishes to stress the fact that the current Sri Lankan justice system is sufficiently equipped and is competent enough to protect the rights of the citizens.

”And whereas, the Judicial Service Association states with responsibility that the members of the Sri Lankan judiciary always administer justice without any fear or favour.

”And whereas, the members of the Judicial Service Association have always been independent and devoid of politics.

And whereas, the Judicial Service Association is perturbed by the baseless allegations levelled against the Sri Lankan judiciary.

”In view of the foregoing, the Judicial Service Association of Sri Lanka resolves as follows:

i. The Judicial Service Association expresses its firm views that there is no lawful basis for the European Parliament based on the Report of the United Nations Secretary General’s Panel of Experts on Accountability in Sri Lanka, to interfere with the Sri Lankan judiciary.

ii. The Judicial Service Association denounces the contents of the Recent Resolution by the European Parliament based on the Report of the United Nations Secretary General’s Panel of Experts on Accountability in Sri Lanka.