Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya, in a letter to the Speaker this morning, said he considered giving an opinion on the appointment of the Prime Minister was inappropriate.
Jayantha Jayasuriya -Attorney General
“Having regard to the role of the Attorney General under the Constitution, I am of the view that expressing an opinion on the said questions would be deemed inappropriate,” the letter said.
It must be noted the Attorney General, the highest legal officer in the state, did not rule that the appointment was legal, defending the position taken by President Maithripala Sirisena.
In sidestepping the issue, the Attorney General made it clear that he could not defend the President’s action, signalling that Rajapaksa’s appointment was unconstitutional although he was not in a position to make that opinion.
Kumar David / October 31, 2018
It would have been more useful if he had said “it is inappropriate and WOULD BE CONTROVERSIAL” if he gave his “HONEST “ opinion
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Native Vedda / October 31, 2018
Kumar David
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Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya’s valued opinion depends on post conflict job offer. One cannot take chances when there is certain uncertainty prevailing at the moment.
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The best course of action would be to sit on the fence whatever it takes. Either way his personal losses can be minimized.
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / October 31, 2018
It is a shame that attorney general has abdicated his responsibilities when the country is in turmoil. Instead of giving his opinion he has dodged the issue. What is inappropriate in giving ones opinion whichever it may be. He cannot say that MS has done is correct as he will be condemned by international community and will have no credibility in their eyes for the future. He cannot say that MS has done wrong as he will be removed from his post and any of his dream to become future chief justice will be dashed, as MR is going to come back to power soon. Therefore he made this decision and has brought the judicial system in Sri Lanka to disrepute.
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Ben Hurling / November 1, 2018
Spot on Native!
AG is a corrupt, spineless, cunning & opportunistic guy than most public officials in this “failed state”. He is so focused on the next promotion, which he hopes will be CJ. He has proven already how low he can sink to achieve that goal. Follow Nagananda K, who has done an excellent job in exposing this crook to Sri Lanka’s stupid electorate.
Cheers!
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Native Vedda / November 1, 2018
Ben Hurling
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We have witnessed many mirages in the past and we will see many more.
In the past, it was the fault of Tamils, Muslims, LTTE, JVP, Wahabis, Saudi, Hindians, USA, the west, neo liberals, colonial rule, world bank, Tamil Diaspora, Tamil Nadu, ………. MGR, Jayalalitha, Kalaingar, ………….. it has never been ours.
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Are we going to see more Welikada shootout, LTTE arms ammunition unearth in the North East, …………… Army on the streets harassing people, gate crashing private functions including age attained ceremonies, more spending on unnecessary security measures, more land grab under security pretext, ……… bill boards, night races, ……………
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Sirisena must have sensed he is not going to make it in the next presidential elections, therefore he has less than two years. Well he must have realised he is going to be the net loser.
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If you can’t win the clan join them. At least Sirisena will be a dollar millionaire if not billionaire. It will be MR’s responsibility to take all those CID, FCID, ….. files for walkies. Sirisena now doesn’t have to tell the investigating officers off.
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Samson Gunawardhana / October 31, 2018
Yes, KD, but we know the nature of our people: they are more shaky personalities. would not leave their honest opinions easily. I have no idea why to fear to drop them down. Yes, No, yes, even if their hearts would not agree with what they are just adding.
Very few i know are good such personalities in the country today,.. that auditor general has always balls to express his heart out. That he did in public not once several times sofar.
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sj / October 31, 2018
Kumar
In this island of miracles, one plays safe to survive miraculous events.
Be grateful for small mercies: the the man did not try to bend the law.
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Sarrij / November 3, 2018
K D.
His opinion would not be respected.
Remember his cross-examination of Ranil; a real disgrace.
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Outsider / October 31, 2018
With due respect, this is not what the AG has said. One cannot say that if something is not described as black, that it has to be white. The AG has refrained from commenting on the legality or otherwise. We should be pleased that the AG has taken this stand, as the legal interpretation is something for the Supreme Court and not the AG
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Bobby Pereira / October 31, 2018
Shame on you CT. It indicates nothing. On the other hand, how can the AG goes against Ranil as he owes his job to Ranil. Suhada Gamlath was overlooked and JJ was given the job simply because he was a UNP supporter. Simple as such.
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Ex AG / November 1, 2018
Subject matter involves interpretation of the constitution which does not come under the purview of AG, but Supreme Court. So for AG, it’s inappropriate. Only thing is AG did not explain it in his letter.
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Steve / October 31, 2018
This AG has no balls. The country does not need your opinion. As the highest legal officer in the state just give your decision whether it is legal or illegal according to the constitution. If you cannot do that, pack your bags and go home.
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edwin rodrigo / October 31, 2018
Donkey Drummer Boy: According to the new procedure, if you want someone to leave his job and go home, you have to inform the Donkey dressed as the Drummer Boy. Then he would go and convey the message to the concerned party by beating his awfully loud drum. “Hear Ye! Hear Ye! As commanded by Adharma Yuva Raja, who having paid for his past bad Karma in this birth by being demoted from King to Yuva Raja, but after 5000 births would become a Buddha …..blah blah”.
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The problem though is how to inform the Donkey, unless you catch him sitting next to the new King. It is a little difficult even then because they look so much alike. Failing all that you may, employ a another Donkey Drummer from the same family, who are traditional Beravayas.
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Matilda Ellepola / October 31, 2018
If any doubt, he should have consulted the following legal experts for their opinion.
a. Sarath Nanda Silva
b. Synthetic LOW-er – Namal Rajapaksa
c. Rogue Lawyer . MR
d. Veerasangile Pannikkiyage Wimal
e. Udaya Gembapila
f. DealDasa
g. Dull-Ass
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Naman / October 31, 2018
Sarath N Silva let the Tsunami Relief Fund SWINDLER free; Namal R cheated on his Attorney at Law final exam; all others are not worth talking about.
We want AG to tell who is RIGHT,
Ranil Wickremesinghe
or
Sirisena
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Muslim / October 31, 2018
Matilda Ellepola
Well said.
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Ben Hurling / November 1, 2018
Darling,
Superb list. Why did you ignore that Mohan Pee chap though?
You hurt my feelings!
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Horror Scope / October 31, 2018
there is a lot of interpretation of the legality of president action..we hear big talk on OPINION.
.The country or the people is not property of one person.What is the basis of this opinion ?
Legislature represents the voice of the people.It the best place to test THE PRESIDENTS opinion.
The parliament should be convened without delay to solve this issue
our country has a good image let us together preserve it.
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shankar / October 31, 2018
okay,we know you did not get the CJ’s post even after saying president is legally entitled to 6 years.
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Estate Labourer / October 31, 2018
Even a humble person like me has the guts to express an opinion on controversial legal issues but the highest legal officer does not wish to take that risk. I suppose he just wants to safeguard his job – can’t blame him.
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Lanka / October 31, 2018
A back born leas AG.
It is a highest post of legal profession..
He seems to be waiting to see which side will win in this power struggle and he wants to be safe side ..
He does not want to published.
What a shame Sri Lankan politics is this ..
He must have a objective view on this ?
Why scared ?
Tell the fact ; tell
the logical reasoning why you can not form tour opinion on this ?
If you can not ?
Who could do it ?
M&s nominated for this job to protect him?
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Eagle Eye / October 31, 2018
“Having regard to the role of the Attorney General under the Constitution, I am of the view that expressing an opinion on the said questions would be deemed inappropriate,”
CT says: Attorney General Says Opinion On Constitutionality Of Ranil Removal “Inappropriate’’: Indicates His Disapproval Of Action
Does AG’s statement ‘Indicates His Disapproval Of Action’?
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Mallaiyuran / October 31, 2018
AG is fearing if he gives his opinion so overtly Ranil might let him down like he let down many new UNO boarders like Hirunika, Ponny, Rajitha, Mangala…….. Their life is in real danger, but that is nothing for Ranil. Even Chandrika, Sandhya all are saying they fear for their life. Ranil openly asked in Parliament the Old King Crook on Kathirgamar’s murder ” We know who killed Kathirgamar, if you (Old King) wants we can investigate that too. That kind of saving Ranil did on Old Kings crimes. In the North already emergency regulation has returned and police is on the crackdown of innocents & media reporters. If he knows for how Ranil would act, he would state without fear “Yes” or “No”.
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Sampath / October 31, 2018
What stop the AG to tell his opinion, as a citizen in this country? What stop him? Money or fear of losing the job?
We expect people like AG are more loyal to the nation than their masters especially when they are in the wrong side.
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K.A-Silva / October 31, 2018
This man is angry with My3 because he expected to be appointed as new Chief Justice.
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Sri-Krish / October 31, 2018
It is irresponsible on the part of the Attorney General.
He is appointed to give his opinion fearlessly and professionally.
He cannot evade from his responsibility.
Actually it is an offence.
He is paid from the consolidated fund and is a foremost public servant. and he says it is inappropriate.
Why it is inappropriate?
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Can the Supreme Court also act in a similar manner?
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Burt / November 1, 2018
“In sidestepping the issue, the Attorney General made it clear that he could not defend the President’s action, signalling that Rajapaksa’s appointment was unconstitutional although he was not in a position to make that opinion.”
This is the same reason cases of Rajapaksa family members and cronies are postponed and when people lose interest Gamarala’s future AG will withdraw the case.
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Douglas / November 1, 2018
All this while this “AG” was SILENT on numerous cases referred to him for “Advice” and “Action” by the numerous Law Enforcement Agencies. So, why he cannot be SILENT on this matter too. That is nothing UNUSUAL and it is the NORM.
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Hela / November 1, 2018
This appears to be the ‘legal’ opinion of CT………..CT has given it’s interpretation. CT can present that opinion to the Supreme Court if and when the issue is raised before SC.
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Fiery Fernando / November 1, 2018
This is the same AG who went to Supreme Court defending President Sirisena’s request to validate his term of office to 6 years!
The person who was Acting AG a few days ago presented a firm opinion to the Speaker supporting the President’s action. This is the same person who conducted the evidence in the Bond Scam Presidential Commission. As an acting AG, did he not consult his boss on this issue prior to shooting the email to the Speaker?
We, the taxpayers of this country, are supporting these clowns with our hard earned money.
What a shame. Where are the principles of justice which these clowns are expected to espouse?
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S. R. H. Hoole / November 1, 2018
I am totally confused
Today’s (1 Nov.) Ceylon Today has this to say:
What was declared inappropriate is suddenly correct?
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SJ / November 1, 2018
This is the Ceylon Today story:
“Addressing the Media, following the first Cabinet briefing last morning, the newly appointed Government spokesmen, Minister of Ports and Shipping Mahinda Samarasinghe and Parliamentarian Keheliya Rambukwella said the AG’s Department had conveyed its legal opinion on the matter to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on 27 October, after a formal request was made by the Speaker on 26 October evening, following Rajapaksa’s crucial appointment.”
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There has been no statement from the AG’s office since its response to the Speaker.
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It is only an interpretation by the two spokes(in the wheel)persons
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JD / November 1, 2018
Ranil Appointed AG got bond scam profits I heard.
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Native Vedda / November 2, 2018
JD, Jim the stupid Softy
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“Ranil Appointed AG got bond scam profits I heard.”
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And you counted the cash and then distributed among the bondscam stakeholder. do you know how the scam worked and could you give us the computation of the total cash swindled by the scammers.
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Mano / November 1, 2018
JOB SECURITY is the first priority and AG has just done his best for his survival.
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SJ / November 1, 2018
Mano
I agree.
I wonder if any of those who pounce on him for not saying what they like to hear would have done better if they were in his position?
That he avoided endorsing a wrong deed is to be appreciated, but not commended or condemned.
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Jay / November 3, 2018
This is totally misinterpreted! The AG has said that he cannot comment on this issue. He has NOT said anything about the appointment and that commenting on it would be “inappropriate”.
Whoever wrote this article did not read properly or was too eager to jump to conclusions :)
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