VIDEO: Bar Association will not welcome new CJ until fair trial is given

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka passed a resolution stating that it will not welcome a newly appointed Chief Justice if the incumbent Chief Justice is removed without an opportunity to have a fair trial.

The Bar Association passed three resolution at a meeting today (December 15) with a show of hands instead of moving to conduct a ballot.

The three resolutions included - 

1. In the light of the speech made by his Excellency the President on the 11th December 2012 to evaluate the report of the PSC of the impeachment against the Chief Justice through an independent committee we urge his Excellency to reconsider the impeachment.

2. In the event his Excellency and/or honourable MPs of parliament who are signatories to the impeachment resolution wish to proceed with it further we urge the President, the honourable speaker and the parliament to formulate and enact procedural laws in relation to removal of the judges of the superior courts while ensuring a fair trial by adhering to principals of natural justice before further proceedings are taken on the said impeachment.

3. In the event if the incumbent Chief Justice is removed without giving an opportunity to have a fair trial in compliance with rules of natural justice the Bar Association of Sri Lanka shall not welcome the newly appointed Chief Justice.

However, Ada Derana learns that some of the senior lawyers were confused about the outcome of the proceedings as there was no vote taken.

Furthermore, a tense situation erupted during the proceedings which was soon brought under control.

The Bar Association held a special general meeting at the Colombo District Court premises today (15) where ideas for and against the resolutions were brought forward by the Bar Association.

The meeting was called upon on a request signed by 440 members of the Bar Association.

Officials of every Bar Association branch in the country were present at the meeting, the Secretary of the Bar Association Sanjeeva Gamage stated.