A group of government MPs is preparing to move an impeachment motion against Chief Justice (CJ), Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake, in Parliament in the near future. This situation has arisen subsequent to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) filing charges against Pradeep Kariyawasam, for purchasing shares of a loss-making company at a high rate, while serving as the Chairman of the National Savings Bank (NSB).
The aforesaid group is of the opinion that since the CJ is Kariyawasam’s spouse, it is unethical for her to remain in her position.
The group claimed that if the CJ does not resign willingly, they will be forced to move an impeachment against her, in order to protect the independence of the judiciary.
It is expected that a decision in this regard will be taken toward the first half of next month.
Prior to this, an impeachment motion was brought against former CJ, Sarath N. Silva, and it was included in the Parliament order book as well.
However, that impeachment motion had to be removed from the order book as by then the parliamentary sessions had concluded.
According to Parliament sources, the group of MPs is currently studying the prior impeachment recommendations, before proceeding with their motion.
By Daya Perera and J.T. de Silva
CT