Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) welcomes the decision by His Excellency the President to appoint an independent review panel before taking a final decision on the report of the Parliamentary Select Committee on the Impeachment of the Chief Justice.
The President has publicly stated that the decision to appoint a review panel was to ensure transparency in the final decision he will make on the impeachment of the Chief Justice.
TISL believes that the lack of transparency and openness in the manner that the Select Committee set about their task of investigating the allegations against the Chief Justice created a feeling among the public that the Chief Justice was not given a fair hearing, and thereby the public lost confidence in the Select Committee.
TISL is of the firm belief that the proposed review panel should consist of impartial, independent and knowledgeable persons so that it will help to build up public confidence once again on the independence of the judiciary. At the same time it will help to establish a transparent and open process in adherence with accepted international norms and natural justice.
Media release/13.12.2012