Removing Mohan Peiris as CJ was unconstitutional - Justice Minister

Colombo (News 1st); Justice Minister Ali Sabry told the Sri Lankan Parliament on Monday (05), the process adopted in removing Mohan Peiris from the post of Chief Justice was illegal.

"The Parliament is empowered by the constitution to decide on the removal of a judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal Court. The Standing Order in Parliament mentions the process that needs to be followed," said the Justice Minister. He said the President cannot remove a judge of the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal, as he pleases. In January 2015, then-Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena removed Mohan Peiris from the post of Chief Justice. The Justice Minister said necessary measures will be made to rectify the removal of Peiris adding his removal was unconstitutional. "I will speak with the Prime Minister on this matter," he added.