President’s statement a threat to judicial system: BASL

• Stresses the importance of respecting the judiciary’s independence 

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda  

Issuing a press release regarding the President’s statement on the Supreme Court’s determination on the Gender Equality Bill, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) reiterated that the President’s statement is a threat to the Supreme Court and the entire judicial system in discharging the judicial functions conferred by the Constitution.  

The BASL maintained that establishing a parliamentary select committee to review the Supreme Court’s ruling on the constitutionality of a Bill would set a dangerous precedent.  

The BASL strongly viewed that recent parliamentary statement by President Ranil Wickremesinghe referring to ‘Judicial Cannibalism’ and suggesting the formation of a select committee to review the Supreme Court’s determination as attempts to undermine judicial independence and force through a Bill which has been decided to be unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The BASL further observed that the said statement per se is beyond constructive criticism or a fair comment.  

The BASL said it firmly believes that the judiciary should be allowed to function independently and free from any kind of external pressure.  

“The Supreme Court has fulfilled its constitutional duty by assessing whether the Bill aligns with the supreme law of the land. While individuals have the right to agree or disagree, neither the legislature nor the executive should criticise the Court for performing its duty to the people,” the BASL statement added.  

The BASL emphasised that it is the duty of both the executive and the legislature to respect the judiciary’s functions. Any interference could lead to severe adverse consequences and pose a significant threat to the Rule of Law in the country.  

The BASL statement had been issued under the signature of its Secretary Chathura Galhena.