The position of the Attorney General and the Attorney General’s Department is a vital institution in ensuring justice, particularly for cases that are over 140 years old. To perform this function in accordance with the rule of law, the independence and autonomy of the office must be safeguarded. “In this regard, the Attorney General must always act based on facts and within the legal framework. The dignity granted to the office by law must be exercised constitutionally and in alignment with the rule of law,” the Leader of the Opposition stated.
Highlighting the special constitutional status of the Attorney General, the Opposition Leader said that the position cannot serve any individual and must remain independent. With quasi-judicial powers, the Attorney General should be able to make impartial decisions regarding the filing and withdrawal of cases. According to Article 41(d) of the Constitution, the President is required to submit a recommendation to the Constitutional Council only after the Council approves the appointment of the Attorney General. “This is not a sole executive power,” he added.
The Opposition Leader emphasized that the Constitution should guarantee and protect the sanctity of the Attorney General’s independence. He called for clarity on whether the government has created the necessary environment for the Attorney General to act independently and based on expert knowledge, safeguarding the rule of law, and whether the office has been given the freedom to operate effectively.
Speaking in Parliament today under Standing Order 27(2), Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that the government has taken steps to prevent the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney General from being subjected to improper accusations, in accordance with Section 3 of the Removal of Officials Act No. 5 of 2002. He noted that the opposition had previously highlighted irregularities of the former IGP and stressed that, since the police state that existed at that time was defeated, a similar situation should not be allowed to arise again. He added that the Attorney General must be allowed to perform duties independently and without undue influence.
The Opposition Leader also pointed out that a wave of allegations has been made, both directly and indirectly, targeting the duties of the Attorney General. He demanded that the government present its position on the matter and outline measures taken to stop these organized allegations, ensuring the protection of the office’s independence. “As a country that values freedom of speech, we must take steps to prevent false accusations, and where shortcomings exist, appropriate legal action must be taken,” he said.
He further warned that even those who support the independence of the Attorney General in decision-making are now facing repeated attacks, often conducted through websites. The Opposition Leader called for investigations into the websites that have targeted the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General.
