Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian M A Sumanthiran who also attended the demonstration on Monday October 09 said the government and the Judicial Services Commission said rule of law itself becomes a moot discussion in light of Saravanarajah’s resignation.
“We tell the government and the judicial services commission that this has to change. An investigation must be held and justice be done for this judge.
“Or this will make history as an instance where rule of law was lost,” said Sumanthiran.
The protest was also attended by southern, politically active lawyers such as Nuwan Bopage and Sunil Watagala.
The Mullaitivu judge sent a letter to the Judicial Services Commission on September 23 informing the commission of his decision to resign from the post of District Judge and a number of other judicial positions, citing death threats. The judge had previously issued an order prohibiting constructions at a controversial archaeological site.
Media reports said he had left the country upon his resignation citing threats and pressure from authorities to change his verdict
On October 02, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) wrote to the Attorney General, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Minister of Public Security to inquire into Saravanarajah’s resignation.
Minister Alles that same day ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to investigate Saravanarajah resignation and subsequent departure from the country, according to media reports. (Colombo/Oct09/2023)