An urgent meeting of all opposition Members of Parliament was held today (22) at the Office of the Opposition Leader in Parliament, under the leadership of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, to discuss future action regarding the government’s decision not to allow discussions in Parliament on matters related to the judiciary.
The meeting was held against the backdrop of the government’s failure to agree to the opposition’s request, made at the previous party leaders’ meeting, to hold a parliamentary debate based on the democratic principles of the Tripartite System of Government — comprising the legislature, executive and judiciary — along with the Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances.
During the meeting, MPs emphasised the importance of maintaining the separation of powers among the legislature, executive and judiciary, which forms the foundation of a democratic system of governance. They also highlighted that there should be an opportunity to openly debate in Parliament issues that affect the independence of the judiciary.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that preventing a parliamentary debate on judiciary-related matters is an issue that affects the fundamental principles of democratic governance. He further discussed with opposition MPs the future parliamentary and political measures that should be taken in this regard.
The meeting was attended by several opposition MPs, including Rohini Wijeratne, Chithral Fernando, V. Radhakrishnan, Chaminda Wijesiri, Gayantha Karunatilake, J.C. Alawathuwala, Sujith Sanjaya Perera, Kavinda Jayawardena, Chathura Galappaththi, Kabir Hashim, Ravi Karunanayake, M.S.A. Vaseed, Rohana Bandara, W.H.M. Dharmasena, B. Ariyawansa, Dayasiri Jayasekara, Anuradha Jayaratne, Dr. Harsha de Silva, Rishad Bathiudeen, Rauff Hakeem, Ramanathan Archchuna, Nizam Kariyapper, M.S. Uthumalebbe, Chanaka Madugoda, Suranga Rathnayake and Adikkalanathan.
