MP M A Sumanthiran, speaking at a water project event in the Mulliyawalai area of Mullaitivu, declared that no one could deny the immense pressure faced by the former Mullaitivu district judge T Saravanarajah, who recently left the country, citing threats to his life and undue pressure.
Sumanthiran, addressing the gathering during the water project handover, stated, "No one can say that there was no pressure on the Mullaitivu district judge, and at this moment, we have an obligation to speak out loud."
The Mullaitivu District Judge, T. Saravanarajah, left the island earlier this week, openly declaring that his life was in danger due to threats for performing his duties, particularly in relation to the illegally constructed Buddhist vihara in Kurunthurmalai. This unprecedented act, according to Sumanthiran, serves as an unequivocal testament to the compromised independence of the judiciary in Sri Lanka.
"The extent to which the judiciary has been affected is most evident in the Mullaitivu district. The questioning of the independence of the Judiciary is not a new issue in this country's history," remarked Sumanthiran.
Highlighting the broader implications of the judge's resignation, Sumanthiran emphasised, "This is the first time that someone who has left the country has openly announced it and resigned from the posts. This act is a universally undeniable declaration that the judiciary is not independent."
Sumanthiran drew attention to the pressure faced by the judge over the past months, noting protests and parliamentary proceedings. He raised concerns about the interference in parliamentary rules, specifically referencing MP Sarath Weerasekara's alleged violation of standing orders, which has been referred to the Committee on Parliamentary Rules.
Sumanthiran further contextualised the struggles faced by Tamils on the island, stating, "This country has been a debtor and a defaulter country. No funds are allocated for any development projects. In this kind of economic crisis, the Tamil diaspora is providing the assistance they can."
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