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President's May Day statement may erode public confidence in the ...
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) expressed concerns yesterday (05) that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s statement made on May Day about an upcoming court ruling could weaken public trust in the Judiciary. The BASL stated: “A separate judiciary is crucial for a strong and lasting democracy, as it protects the rule of law and ensures justice is served fairly. The Constitution of Sri Lanka highlights the judiciary's independence as a vital part of our heritage, which guarantees the dignity and welfare of future generations. According to Article 111 C (1) of the Constitution, every judge, presiding officer, public officer, or anyone with judicial authority must carry out their duties without outside interference, except from higher courts or authorized persons. Article 111 C (2) also makes any such interference a punishable offense. Judicial independence is not just an institutional protection; it is essential for maintaining individual dignity, upholding the rule of law, and preserving the moral authority of a democracy. Thus, we are deeply concerned about the President's remarks at the recent May Day Rally regarding a judicial decision expected on May 25, 2026, suggesting that the audience could cheer when the decision is announced. This statement raises concerns about potential interference in the judicial process, leading the BASL to fear that public confidence in the Judiciary may decline. Historically, whenever judicial independence has been threatened, whether by the executive branch or others, the BASL and its members across the country have strongly opposed such actions. The BASL is dedicated to protecting and preserving the independence and integrity of the judiciary and will take all necessary measures to uphold democracy, the rule of law, and the Constitution.”
President's May Day statement may erode public confidence in the ...
Latest News Peter Magyar sworn in as Hungary’s PM, ending Orban’s 16 years in power Published 4 hours agoon 2026/05/9 Hungary's incoming Prime Minister Peter Magyar delivers a speech during his swearing-in ceremony at the Hungarian parliament in Budapest on May 9, 2026 [Aljazeera] Peter Magyar has been sworn in as Hungary’s new prime minister, almost a month after parliamentary elections that ended Viktor Orban’s 16 years in power. Magyar, 45, who leads the centre-right Tisza party, was propelled into office on promises of change after years of economic stagnation under Orban, and strained ties with key allies, including the European Union. On Saturday, Magyar invited Hungarians to “step through the gate of regime change”. His party has a huge parliamentary majority, winning 141 of the 199 seats. However, Magyar faces several challenges in his new role, including restoring Budapest’s relations with the EU, reviving the economy and tackling a budget deficit that reached almost three-quarters of its full-year target by April. A ceremony was held inside Hungary’s neo-Gothic parliament building as Magyar was sworn in. The EU flag, removed under Orban, was displayed inside the chamber for the first time in 12 years. The newly appointed parliamentary speaker, Agnes Forsthoffer, used her first decision in office to order the flag’s reinstatement, describing the move as “the first symbolic step on this path [back to Europe]”. The new prime minister aims to strike a deal with the EU that would unlock around $20bn in frozen funding. The money was withheld over concerns about worsening human rights under Orban and a decline in the rule of law. During Orban’s tenure, Hungary drifted further away from the EU as ties with Moscow deepened. The former prime minister used his veto in the European Council to oppose sanctions on Russia and block support for Ukraine. Theofanis Exadaktylos, a professor of European politics at the University of Surrey, told Al Jazeera that Magyar will need to prove he is different from Orban while dealing with the bureaucracy left behind by his predecessor. “The challenges for the new PM are primarily related to the extensive presence of the previous regime. Orban was in power for such a long time and he has managed to change Hungary substantially from an administrative point of view. To that end, uprooting the previous establishment will be a challenge,” he said. “The second [challenge] will be to establish himself as different to the previo...
Opposition seeks debate over judicial independence concerns
A statement made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a May Day rally held on 1 May 2026 forms the basis for this resolution.
BASL Raises Concern Over President's May Day Remarks
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed concern over President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's recent May Day remarks, saying his comments on an upcoming court verdict risk undermining judicial independence and public confidence. In a statement, the BASL said an independent judiciary is fundamental to democracy and the rule of law.
