EFC steps into the legislature- judiciary crisis
View(s):The Employers Federation of Ceylon (EFC), joining the chorus of concern in the aftermath of the impeachment motion against Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, on Thursday urged all parties and stakeholders to jointly safeguard and protect the ‘sovereignty of our people”.
It said in a statement, that “… we earnestly urge the Government, all Opposition political parties and all other stakeholders and organizations which are genuinely concerned with best interest of Sri Lanka and its people, to extricate themselves from petty differences, and jointly safeguard the rule of law in our land. This is the only way in which the Sovereignty of the people could be protected.”
Several chamber groups stepped in this week to urge the warring factions to work together for the sake of the people.
The EFC, an umbrella group representing employers, said Sri Lankans have been confronted with a serious problem that could endanger the stability and governance of this country. There are many views expressed as to what is right and what should be done in the context of this impasse between the legislature and the judiciary.
“We believe that expressing opinions as to which is right or wrong is not going to assist in resolving the problem. In fact, it would only result in undermining the Sri Lankan image, amongst the international community. After having shown the world that we have the capacity of even eradicating terrorism from our country, on our own, notwithstanding external pressures, it is unfortunate to create a situation that would undermine our Sri Lankan identity. We are happy that His Excellency the President has, in a recent address, emphasized the importance of the sovereignty of our people. He has reiterated that we cannot forget the fact that sovereignty resides in our people in this country. In fact, Article 4 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka further explains the manner in which the sovereignty of the people should be exercised. It is through the legislative power of the people exercised by Parliament, the Executive power of the people exercised by His Excellency the President and the judicial power of the people exercised by Parliament through courts, tribunals and Institutions created and established by the Constitution. In addition, the Constitution also grants the Supreme Court exclusive jurisdiction to determine any question as to whether any bill or any provision thereof is inconsistent with the Constitution. In the circumstances, it is crystal clear that the three organs must complement each other and respect each other in the exercise of its functions and governance. One attempting to usurp the power of the other is a direct affront to the rule of law in any country.” The EFC said the people, notwithstanding this crisis have continued to respect the rule of law. Any action or conduct that demonstrates otherwise could threaten the very existence of law and order in our country, it said.
“We believe that all stakeholders in employment, irrespective of their own interests, will endorse this view and do everything within their control to resolve this impasse. If not, the cost of it would be disastrous, which, will have to be borne by our future generations.”
Follow @timesonlinelk
comments powered by Disqus