LAWASIA urges government to uphold judicial independence

Colombo, August 6 (Daily Mirror) - LAWASIA, the Law Association for Asia and the Pacific, has urged the Government of Sri Lanka to honour and uphold the principles of judicial independence to preserve democratic values and ensure fair administration of justice.

In a statement dated August 6, 2024, LAWASIA expressed its deep concerns regarding recent developments in Sri Lanka, which undermine the independence and authority of the judiciary.

LAWASIA also expressed its support of the statement 
issued by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka on 27th July 2024 regarding these developments.

LAWASIA stated that the recent statements by senior officials of the Sri Lankan government, as reported by the media, suggesting that the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka lacks the authority to review certain appointments, would undermine the authority of the Supreme Court.

On 26 July 2024, the Sri Lankan government informed the Parliament that the interim order issued by the Supreme Court against the Inspector General of Police Deshbandhu Thennakoon was not legally valid.

LAWASIA maintained that the independence of the judiciary and upholding the rule of law is essential, not only for the proper administration of justice, but also for maintaining public confidence in the legal system. 

It reiterated that any erosion of this independence compromises the integrity of the judiciary and the rule of law.

LAWASIA emphasised the cardinal principle that judicial orders must be obeyed until validly set aside by a judicial forum. A failure to do so would undermine the administration of justice.