By Barbara Seneviratne –

Barbara Seneviratne

Attorney of Law Suganthika Fernando should be admired for her greatness, with no fear of the outcome from various quarters exposed the very poor quality of many of the judges, magistrate’ and court officials. Like all other government institutions the judicial system too is rotten to the very core of the justice ministry. From 1977 the judicial system was publicly stained with corruption from the very top to the peon. 

Appointments were not based on seniority but on their political views and are given over the heads of reputed, intelligent honest law abiding individuals. The only qualification needed is a good write up of a VVIP will do the needful.  

On many occasions I have witnessed that some Magistrates hardly look at the victim or the complainer. Most of the judgements are based on police reports and how the cases are presented by the IP.  If the officer known to the judge presents the case the victim or the complainer would be favoured. 

I happen to be present at a case at the High court where the Magistrates spoke very rudely to two attorney at Law ladies. They were loaded with books related to past various past cases and judgements and had fixed the dates to present their cases in the High Court, but he was so rude he refused to hear even one word from them. He practically chased them out. This of course gave me the impression that he hardly read books of value regarding past judgements or he hares women who are capable and not corrupt.   

We had a country that could boast of QCs, eminent judges and honorable magistrates who never forfeited the prestige and the traditional judicial system. But today we are far behind since like any other government institution, our so called people’s representatives, the leaders of the political parties, the police departments, health ministry are infected with corrupt individuals.    

However Suganthika Fernando’s comments is the truth. She presented her comments not to disgrace the legal system but to rectify the damage created by various governments due to greed for power and money. If this system goes as the way the corrupt politicians rule the country there won’t be a Sri Lanka for the future generation. It’s unfortunate that the general public, mainly the hard working low income group of people are taken for a good drive by the uncouth politicians, It’s a shame that women organizations who delivered speeches about the cost of living and promising a better future at various meeting held on the International Women’s day are silent about the comments of this fearless Lawyer. 

These women who get their highly powered faces in the media, holding high positions in various government and private holdings, fashion are another bunch of heartless, and have no consideration to this country. A good example is the lady mayor who wants to spend about seven million for her toilet god only knows if she is dropping gold nuggets.

If we are to wipe out corruption, thuggery, murder, drug menace, rapes etc. there should be a collective consciousness. Nothing could be gained without the general public’s participation. It is being proved beyond doubt that this government will not keep its promises made in January 2015.They all fighting among themselves for power only.

We are being burden with tax, but only the ordinary man feels it, not ministers who sponge on us. An ordinary man must work 20 years to get a measly pension while a Member of Parliament gets a pay, petrol allowance, a house fully furnished, a cook, driver and a gardener beside contracts and commissions. And a pension for working or for messing up for 5 years.

However with all these difficulties it would be wonderful if all lady lawyers, and women of all organizations could support Suganthika  Fernando and work together to at least wipe out corruption in this judicial system. It would relieve the people from tipping or warming the palm of the crooks big and small.