June 23, Colombo (LNW): The Lawyers’ Collective has issued a strong condemnation of remarks made in Parliament by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Education Minister Susil Premjayantha, and MP Dayasiri Jayasekara.
The criticism stems from comments by the President and Ministers that were dismissive of recent Supreme Court rulings.
President Wickremesinghe labelled a Supreme Court decision on the Gender Equality Bill as “judicial cannibalism” and suggested forming a Parliamentary Select Committee to review it.
Justice Minister Rajapakshe drew a controversial comparison between the Court’s orders and the suspension of civil rights under Adolf Hitler.
The Lawyers’ Collective argues that these statements, along with accusations against judges by the Justice Minister, are attempts to intimidate the judiciary.
They emphasise that judicial independence is fundamental to Sri Lanka’s democracy, and that such comments from the Executive undermine the rule of law, separation of powers, and public trust in the judiciary.
While recognising the right to free speech, the Collective stresses the Executive’s duty to uphold the balance of power and prevent the erosion of judicial authority.
The statement also expresses concern that these comments are part of a broader pattern of intimidation by the Executive, particularly amid recent legal challenges to government actions.
They view these remarks as politically driven efforts to weaken public confidence in the judiciary and democratic processes.
