Ousted Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake was requested to be present before the Commission to Investigate Bribery and Corruption on March 18.

Meanwhile the Lawyers Collective, who vociferously defended the ousted Chief Justice said the government has started ‘it’s much practiced witch hunts of those who do not submit’ to them

“Under the prevailing situation where politicization of all public institutions at all levels is prevalent, we are of the considered view that the government has started its much practiced witch hunts of those who do not submit to the dictates of the government” the collective said.

The collective went on to say that the intolerance of dissent and the cramping of space for diversity is a feature of the current regime

“The intolerance of dissent and not leaving any space for diversity is the trade mark of those in power. The loss of confidence of the legal fraternity and the public on public institutions is therefore justified. In that context, we are of the view that the government has started its persecution of CJ Shirani Bandaranayake for her courageous stand to challenge the Impeachment” they said.

The collective also urged the government to respect the rights of its citizens

“We also urge the Government and all its institutions to respect the right of the citizens of the country to dissent and to enjoy the fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution before it reaches dangerous proportions” they said

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)