Adding to the international criticism mounted over impeaching of Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake, the United Kingdom called on the Sri Lankan government to respect democratic principles and safeguard the incumbent Chief Justice and the legal profession.

Commenting on the Parliament’s vote Friday to impeach the Chief Justice, a Foreign Office spokesperson said: “The British Government is deeply concerned by the impeachment proceedings against Sri Lanka’s Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake.

“We share the concerns already expressed by many people in Sri Lanka over both the process and related reports of the intimidation of members of the Sri Lankan Bar Association.”

The motion to impeach the Chief Justice runs contrary to the clear rulings of Sri Lanka’s highest courts and the proceedings appear to contravene basic principles of fairness, due process and respect for the independence of the judiciary and the Commonwealth Latimer House Principles, the British foreign office said in a statement.

“Together with our international partners, we call on the Sri Lankan Government to respect democratic principles and the right to peaceful protest and to ensure the continued safety of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake,” the statement said.

Britain added its voice to the United States in expressing deep concern over parliament’s overwhelming vote Friday night to sack Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake following a trial by ruling party MPs.

It follows a US statement Friday that urged Sri Lanka to “uphold the rule of law and respect the principles of democratic governance”.

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and the Commonwealth Secretary-General have also expressed concern over the impeachment proceeding with the latter urging that “time be taken to reflect and consider fully the constitutional and other ramifications of the differing positions taken by the Judiciary and Legislature.”