The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has called on Chief Justice Mohan Peiris to issue an immediate denial of the recent reports circulating in the media regarding his presence at Temple Trees, should they be untrue.
The BASL at an emergency meeting of the Executive Committee which took place last evening revealed that it was -”deeply concerned and shocked by Reports that Mohan Peiris who functions as the 44th Chief Justice of Sri Lanka was present at ‘Temple Trees’ from prior to dawn on January 9, 2015 when the result of the Presidential election became known. The BASL has been informed that , at that time there had been discussions between the previous secretary of defence and other officials including members of the Armed Forces and Police, with regard to a possible scenario where the outgoing President would attempt to remain in Office despite losing the popular vote,” a statement by the BASL said.
The BASL said in the statement that it viewed the failure by any member of the judiciary to strictly adhere to this rule would constitute grave misbehaviour in addition to casting grave doubts on his or her impartiality.
They stressed the need for immediate action to be taken to preserve the honour and independence of the judiciary.
Sunday Times