• Namal slams Prez over claims on court cases 
• Comments are an attack on judicial freedom 

The Free Lawyers organisation has called for an investigation into remarks made by President Dissanayake concerning judicial decisions during a May Day rally. In a letter addressed to the Chief Justice (CJ), the organisation alleged that the President made a prejudicial comment regarding a verdict yet to be delivered in an ongoing court case. It warned that such remarks could be seen as interfering with matters currently before the Judiciary. 

The comments have sparked widespread controversy across the country, with critics raising concerns about the implications for judicial independence. 

The organisation further emphasised the President’s remarks went beyond a general observation on legal processes, noting that they included references to specific dates and timelines related to the pending case.

Opposition Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has alleged that President Dissanayake is attempting to influence judicial matters through political platforms, claiming that decisions were being signalled during May Day events linked to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). Addressing the media in Kalutara, he said that it became evident during May Day proceedings that key decisions were being communicated from the JVP, raising concerns over the separation of powers. 

“We only learned on May Day that decisions are being made from the JVP platform. If the President believes that he can deliver court rulings in such a manner while ignoring public concerns, we will respond accordingly,” he said. Despite his criticisms, he expressed confidence in the Judiciary, stating that courts would continue to act independently, regardless of political statements.

The Sarvajana Balaya has also condemned what it describes as an unconstitutional attack on the independence of the Judiciary by the Government. In a statement issued by the Party’s General Secretary, attorney Ranjan Seneviratne, the Party said that the relevant remarks were “shameless, provocative, and cannot be constitutionally justified.” 

The statement alleges that there is a deliberate attempt to bring the Judiciary under the control of the Executive, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to democratic governance. The Sarvajana Balaya further stated that the issue goes beyond political commentary and amounts to an attack on democracy itself. It also emphasised that while governments and political majorities may change, the justice system — built over generations — cannot easily be restored once it is undermined. The Party reiterated that it will not allow the Judiciary to be reduced to a tool of the Executive.

The Sarvajana Balaya Party, also of the Opposition, has condemned what it describes as an unconstitutional attack on the independence of the Judiciary by the Government. In a statement issued by the Party’s General Secretary, attorney Ranjan Seneviratne, the Party said that the relevant remarks were “shameless, provocative, and cannot be constitutionally justified.” The statement alleges that there is a deliberate attempt to bring the Judiciary under the control of the Executive, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to democratic governance. The Sarvajana Balaya further stated that the issue goes beyond political commentary and amounts to an attack on democracy itself. It also emphasised that while governments and political majorities may change, the justice system - built over generations - cannot easily be restored once it is undermined. The Party reiterated that it will not allow the Judiciary to be reduced to a tool of the Executive.