Vetted by NeuralPress's Multi-Agent Verifier for strict factual validity and event relevance. Our compliance engine cross-checks and filters search results to ensure zero false correlations or misleading content.
Primary Sources
Opposition MPs accuse President of undermining judicial independence
A group of Opposition lawmakers, led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, has raised serious concerns over remarks made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at a recent May Day rally, alleging that his comments could be interpreted as an attempt to undermine the independence of the judiciary. In a joint statement yesterday, signed by 26 Opposition Members of Parliament, the legislators objected to the President’s call for supporters to “prepare to applaud” following a court verdict expected to be delivered on 25 of this month, arguing that such remarks create the impression that the executive may have prior knowledge of a judicial decision. The Opposition MPs described the statement as a “serious threat” to the independence of the judiciary, and warned that it could erode public confidence in one of the country’s key democratic institutions. “The President’s statement implies that he has prior knowledge of a judgment to be delivered by the judiciary. It is a fundamental principle of our constitutional system that justice should not only be done, but should be clearly and undoubtedly seen to be done,” the statement added. The Opposition further stressed that the judiciary derives its authority from the Constitution and the people, not from the executive branch or any political leadership. They said any attempt, directly or indirectly, to influence or appear to influence judicial proceedings would be inconsistent with democratic governance and the rule of law. The MPs also noted that the judiciary remains one of the few public institutions that continues to command broad public trust and respect, warning that politically charged statements targeting court proceedings risk damaging that credibility. Calling for immediate corrective action, the Opposition urged the Government to refrain from making statements concerning judicial matters and called on the President to withdraw his remarks. Among the signatories were Sajith Premadasa, Dilith Jayaweera, Rauff Hakeem, Dr. Harsha de Silva, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Gayantha Karunatilaka, S.M. Marikkar, Ajith P. Perera and several other Opposition lawmakers.
Opposition urges Govt. to halt remarks targeting judiciary - Buzzer
Sponsored A group of opposition Members of Parliament have called on the government to immediately cease statements aimed at the judiciary, warning that such remarks threaten judicial independence.In a statement issued by the media unit of the office of the Leader of the Opposition, MPs demanded that comments made by the President during a recent May rally be withdrawn. The statement highlighted remarks in which the President urged supporters to be ready to applaud following a court verdict expected on May 25.The opposition described the comments as a serious threat to the independence of the judiciary and an attempt to bring the courts under executive influence.They further alleged that the President’s statement suggests prior knowledge of a pending court decision, raising concerns about the integrity of the judicial process.Emphasizing constitutional principles, the opposition MPs noted that justice must not only be meted out but must also be seen to be done. They stressed that the judiciary is accountable to the Constitution and derives its authority from the people, not from political leaders or alliances.The statement also underscored that the judiciary remains one of the few institutions that continues to command public respect in Sri Lanka.Opposition MPs also reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the independence of the judiciary within the democratic framework.
Opposition warns of threats to Judicial independence
They stressed that judicial power in Sri Lanka is derived from the people and the Constitution, not from the will of any President, Minister, or political alliance. The judiciary, they noted, remains one of the few institutions that continues to enjoy public respect.
BASL Expresses Grave Concern Over President’s Remarks on Judiciary • Sri Lanka Brief
The Association further recalled ... by the executive or by any other quarter—the BASL and its members throughout the country have resolutely opposed such interference....
