Opposition leader Mr Sajith Premadasa stated on the 26th that Article 126 of the Constitution grants the Supreme Court exclusive jurisdiction over fundamental rights and the authority to decide on related petitions. He emphasized this in Parliament, noting that the Supreme Court is uniquely empowered to address such issues.
Mr Premadasa criticized the Police chief’s defiance of a Supreme Court interim order, highlighting that he continued to control the police while dressed in civilian clothes, a move he deemed inappropriate and a bad precedent.
He stressed that government officials must respect the Supreme Court’s decisions, the Constitution, and interim orders, regardless of political affiliations. All citizens are obligated to adhere to the Constitution’s laws.
In his parliamentary remarks on the removal of the Inspector General of Police, Mr Premadasa referred to Article 41 of the Constitution, which outlines the President’s power to make appointments with the Constitutional Council’s approval, including the appointment of the Inspector General of Police.
Mr. Premadasa pointed out that in a democratic system, power is distributed among the executive, legislature, and judiciary, all of which are subordinate to the Constitution. He argued that arbitrary decisions contrary to the Constitution cannot be justified, and decisions should be praised or opposed based on their adherence to constitutional principles.
He urged the Speaker to act wisely in this matter to prevent Parliament members and public servants from suffering the consequences of violating Supreme Court power and constitutional mandates.
