By Colombo Telegraph –

“In the circumstances, we urge that no further proceedings or steps be taken on this  report, which is the report of the Government MPs of the PSC.  LfD and all its affiliates unreservedly reject this report as being bias, made contrary to Rules of Natural Justice, basic principles of Rule of Law.” says Lawyers for Democracy.

Lal Wijenayaka -Convener LfD

We publish below the full text of the statement;

After carefully monitoring how the impeachment proceedings were conducted and studying the developments based on confirmed media reports, LfD is of the view that the Report of the 7 Member of Parliament (representing only the Government) is totally unacceptable in any standards. We have learnt how the Chief Justice was humiliated by two MPs in the Committee and how the CJ was compelled to withdraw from the Proceedings before the Committee. Thereafter the 4 Opposition MPs also withdrew due to lack of procedure and unfair treatment meted out to the Chief Justice. The Opposition pointed out that the procedure adopted is contrary to the basic practices and courtesies that should be extended to the highest judicial officer of the country.

LfD is shocked to hear that the Government MPs of the PSC had called witnesses, contrary to their own ruling that the witnesses were not to be called. Basic rules of natural justice and Rule of Law requires that a e defendant be given sufficient time to prepare for the trial, which right was not given to the Chief Justice.

In the circumstances, we urge that no further proceedings or steps be taken on this  report, which is the report of the Government MPs of the PSC.  LfD and all its affiliates unreservedly reject this report as being bias, made contrary to Rules of Natural Justice, basic principles of Rule of Law.

Singed On behalf of Lawyers for Democracy

Lal Wijenayaka, Chandrapala Kumarage, E. Viwekanandan , K.S. Ratnavale, J.C. Weliamuna, Sudath Netthisinghe ,Sudarshana Gunawardana, Lakshan Dias , Sunil Jayaratne, Harin Gomas, S.G. Punchihewa