Lawyers express solidarity with new CJ

Disna Mudalige

All lawyers around the country cordially welcome newly appointed Chief Justice Mohan Peiris, Sri Lanka Freedom Party Lawyers’ Association representatives stated yesterday.

Association’s President D P Mendis addressing a press conference at the Mahaweli Centre stated, that they expect and look forward to work in unison with the new CJ in the coming days. He said they would always support him, and are ready to carry out his directives the same way previously extended their support to the former CJ when she was holding office.

Mendis also noted the recent Supreme Court interpretation of the Constitution to which the Court of Appeal referred in issuing writ of Certiorari is incorrect and flawed. However, he appreciated that former CJ Dr Shirani Bandaranayake vacated the official residence in a wise manner after she was impeached, without destabilizing the country.

Association’s Secretary Champani Padmasekara noted the statement made

by Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing the lawyer community after the impeachment asking their support to overthrow the present regime reveals the hidden intentions of the UNP led by Wickremesinghe throughout the impeachment process. He noted the SLFP Lawyers’ Association is not ready to let either the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) or any other element to destabilize the country, adding that that they are ready to come forward to defeat such attempts.

Padmasekara also noted they have already discussed with the ruling party on constitutional changes. He said they believe the President with the consultation of all stakeholders would initiate the move to frame a constitution suitable for the country.

Galle District SLFP Lawyers’ Association Treasurer Duminda Rajapaksa observed that they have taken an oath to protect the Constitution, adding that they respect the Executive and Parliament as professional lawyers. Rajapaksa observed certain incidents in recent times connected to the impeachment motion had affected the public regard towards their profession. He observed constitutional matters should have been solved through negotiation and not by coming to the streets. He noted the lawyers could only earn the faith of people by protecting the law without working for agendas of political parties.Commenting on the new appointment of CJ, Kalutara District SLFP Lawyers’ Association Chairman Gamini Ekanayake reminded Former Chief Justice Neville Samarakoon was also not a Supreme Court judge when he was appointed as the CJ, but was warmly welcomed by all. He noted Chief Justice Mohan Peiris is a well-experienced personality in the field of law.