The President said the procedure laid down in the Constitution had been followed in conducting inquiries into charges against the Chief Justice, and therefore the international community could not find fault with it

The representatives of the Inter Religious Federation (IRF), including Prof. Ven. Bellanvila Wimalaratana Thera and Colombo Archbishop Rev. Malcom Cardinal Ranjith met the President at Temple Trees yesterday to discuss the present crisis between the Judiciary and the Legislature. The religious leaders reportedly inquired about possible international consequences if they went ahead with the impeachment motion against Chief Justice (CJ) Shirani Bandaranayake, Daily Mirror learns.

However, the President said the procedure laid down in the Constitution had been followed in conducting inquiries into charges against the Chief Justice, and therefore the international community could not find fault with it. He also said it was difficult to withhold action against anyone with corruption charges, no matter whether it involved international concerns.

The findings of the Parliamentary Select Committee that probed charges against the Chief Justice would be debated in Parliament, probably on January 10 and 11. Afterwards, an address would be made to the President to take the next step.

President Rajapaksa also informed the religious leaders that he would refer this report to another expert panel to advise him on the constitutionality of the process. The panel would comprise a former secretary of the Judicial Services Commission who also once served in the Constitutional Council, an ex-banker and a civil society leader. He did not reveal their names. The meeting was attended by Leader of the House Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva and Fisheries Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne.

Source: Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka