Governing MPs look to impeach chief judge
Thursday 01 November 2012
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EmailGovernment MPs launched a bid to impeach Sri Lanka's first female chief justice today.
The United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) started proceedings after members handed a petition to the parliamentary speaker to remove Shirani Bandaranayake from office following months of conflict between the government and the judiciary.
MP Pavithra Wanniarachi alleged that Ms Bandaranayake was guilty of "misuse of office and personal misconduct" but did not elaborate.
Opposition party the United National Front condemned the move, with general secretary Tissa Attanayake accusing the UPFA of trying "to make the judiciary a political tool."
President Mahinda Rjapaksa's government changed the constitution last year to tighten control over the judiciary and it has been heavily criticised for allegedly shackling the media and police.
The government controls two-thirds of parliament so is likely to get the required majority.
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