Four opposition members of the Parliamentary Select Committee announced a short while ago that they withdrew from the committee and stated that they put forward four conditions before the Chairman of the PSC to further remain in the committee.

The opposition members were John Amaratunga, Lakshman Kiriella (UNP), Vijitha Herath (DNA) and R Sampanthan (TNA). Addressing a press conference at the Parliamentary complex MP Amaratunga said that the PSC does not allow the formal procedures on the impeachment.

MP Kiriella said that the members of Parliament who had signed the impeachment motion had not seen any proof before signing it as the PSC members themselves saw the documents only on December 5.

Opposition members later walked out of the committee room as the Chairman of the PSC refused to accept the conditions put forward by the opposition members.

According to a copy of the statement made available to the press,  the four members  said that they requested an opportunity be given  for  the lawyers of the Chief Justice to cross-examine complainants.

“It is also a matter of note that the Chief Justice has not been afforded the courtesies’ and privileges due to her office. We have made our position clear regarding these matters. It is the duty of the PSC to maintain the highest standard of fairness in conducting this inquiry. We also regrettably note that during these proceedings, the treatment meted out to the Chief Justice was insulting and intimidatory and the remarks made were clearly indicative of preconceived findings of guilt,” the statement signed by the four members said.

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)