The government’s refusal to allow a parliamentary debate on matters relating to the judiciary prompted an urgent meeting of opposition MPs today at the Opposition Leader’s Office in Parliament, chaired by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.
At the previous party leaders’ meeting, the opposition had requested a debate grounded in democratic principles, the Tripartite System of Government (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary), the Separation of Powers, and Checks and Balances, but the government did not agree.
Opposition MPs have stressed that issues affecting judicial independence must be openly debated in Parliament, warning that denying such discussion undermines democratic governance.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said the refusal to permit debate on judicial matters was a blow to democratic principles, and discussed with MPs the parliamentary and political steps to be taken next.
Among those present were MPs Rohini Wijerathna, Chithral Fernando, V. Radhakrishnan, Chaminda Wijesiri, Gayantha Karunathilaka, J.C. Alawathuwala, Sujith Sanjaya Perera, Kavinda Jayawardena, Chathura Galappaththi, Kabir Hashim, Ravi Karunanayake, M.S.A. Wazeed, Rohana Bandara, W.H.M. Dharmasena, B. Ariyawansa, Dayasiri Jayasekara, Anuradha Jayaratne, Harsha de Silva, Rishad Bathiudeen, Rauff Hakeem, Archchuna Ramanathan, Nizam Kariapper, M.S. Uthumalebbe, Chanaka Madugoda, Suranga Ratnayake, and Selvam Adaikkalanathan. (Newswire)
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