With An Impeachment On The Kerb, “Single Issues” And Dissenting “Left” Worth Nothing In SL

By Kusal Perera -October 29, 2012

Kusal Perera

A new Rajapaksa campaign is now given unofficial prominence. That of impeaching the Chief Justice. It was reported a few days ago, some Ministers have put their signatures at an auspicious time, last Friday. Of course it was also said the signatures were on blank paper. But, the reports indicated the signatures were meant for impeachment of the CJ.

This comes in the wake of a Court indictment against Pradeep Kariyawasam, husband of Chief Justice, Bandaranayake. Kariyawasam as chairman, along with the entire board of directors of the National Savings Bank resigned, over its investments in the The Finance Company, turning out into a massive scandal. The regime it seems have already worked behind scene to align retired Director Administration, Abeygunasekera, to provide evidence against Kariyawasam, Now the next question that is posed is, “can the Chief Justice continue when her husband is hauled before the Courts as an accused in a big fraud case ?” There is going to be opposition to Bandaranayake continuing as CJ and President of the JSC, while her husband is tried in a Magistrate’s Court. The issue of “conflict of interest” will be raised publicly. Beyond all that, what if he is remanded over the case, for further investigations, if the Police say they want to ?” Anything is possible when it is not an elected government that makes and bends rules, but a family cabal.

One stinking stupid in fact went on record with privileges, saying the Courts should be stoned. There is the more plausible possibility of some eccentric politician, the UPFA has many of them in different shades and shapes, taking to the streets in front of the Fort Railway Station or at the Lipton Square, demanding the “CJ should Resign !” That would then turn out as public opinion. The State media is on the prowl looking for any such video clip that could make their headlines. Meanwhile the impeachment initiative would be kept, on the roll.

Such would have very serious repercussions in Sri Lankan politics that is now being tested in the judiciary in terms of Constitutional provisions. This would have a damaging impact over all issues from that of Mannar Magistrate’s issue and Minister Bathiudeen’s contempt of Court case to the “Divineguma Bill” and the Provincial Councils. In fact, it is the “Divineguma Bill” that lies at the bottom of all these crises. The “right” of the Royal family cabal to rule as they please.

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