Lawyers Collective says “Black Day in history of Sri Lanka”

Saturday, 12 January 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Lawyers Collective last night described 11 January as the “Black Day” in the history of Sri Lanka.

“Sri Lanka’s Chief Justice has been impeached. The whole process was unconstitutional and politically motivated. Repeatedly institutions, intellectuals, political parties and individuals – at national and international level – requested the Government not to proceed with the impeachment.

All such requests were ignored. Even those by religious dignitaries were thrown away. The Highest Court of the land declared that the impeachment was unconstitutional,” it said, adding, “The Government turned a deaf ear to all this. It proceeded with the impeachment,” which concluded last night.

“This experience has tested the conscience of our nation. It has hurt the very foundation of democracy in Sri Lanka. The damage caused is irremediable. Our proud judicial history has been tarnished. The ill-advised impeachment mooted by a few politicians was solely to protect their political power,” Lawyers Collective said.

“Hold those responsible for the unconstitutional impeachment accountable. This is our plea to the national and international community,” it added.