Removal of Judges comes under the ambit of legislature - Ranil

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe asserted that the judicial power of the people lies with the 225 Members of Parliament.

He said the judicial power of the legislature is vested in the Courts except the powers of Parliament and the privileges of Parliament.

The Opposition Leader said when the 1978 Constitution was promulgated J.R. Jayewardene and Dr. Colvin R. De Silva were in one stance that it was formulated in the structure of the one in the UK. However, the sovereignty of the people stands above all.

The removal of the justices comes under the ambit of the Legislature. Under the provisions of 4(c) using the Judicial power of Parliament Harold Peiris was fined.

The Judicial power of the public lies with the Parliament of 225 members altogether. The Judicial power of the Legislature is vested in the courts except the power of Parliament and the privileges of the Parliament. We have to decide what the powers of the Parliament are. It is clearly shown in the order issued by the then Speaker Anura Bandaranaike.

It is your responsibility to sort out this matter without causing any conflict between the Legislature and judicature, he told the Speaker.

"We have to guarantee all the rights of the Chief Justice while protecting the independence and the stature of Parliament.

"We witness the chaotic situation in Egypt. Our people have enough problems without adding to them. Anybody can file cases but notices should not be sent hereto Parliament. Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa: I will consider these lengthy discussions of Opposition and government members and issue the order at a future day.