The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has sought a clarification from the Chief Justice regarding a letter being circulated via social media alleging that Major General (Retd.) Jagath Aiwis, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security had in a letter addressed to the Chief Justice attempted to interfere with the functions of the judiciary in respect of pending cases relating to protests.
According to the letter circulated on social media, the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security had accused judges of lower courts of being responsible for the violence which unfolded in Sri Lanka since 9th of May, 2022.
The BASL observed that if indeed such a letter has been sent to the Chief Justice, such letter may be part of the effort to discredit the judiciary.
The BASL further observed that if any person attempts to unlawfully interfere with the judiciary such person should be dealt with for contempt of court under Article 105 of the Constitution and prosecuted by the Attorney General for unlawful interference with the judiciary under Article 111C of the Constitution.
The BASL further maintained that public confidence in the system of administration of justice is paramount in today’s context and any attempt which is perceived as being an interference with the judiciary will result in a loss of confidence in the administration.
It is leant that the BASL has sought a clarification from Chief Justice on whether such a letter was received from the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security. The BASL has also sought a clarification from the Attorney General on whether the attention of the Attorney General was drawn to the existence of such a letter and if so, the steps taken by him in that respect
