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BASL invites main Presidential candidates to ‘State-of-the-Nation’ discussion
View(s):The two main presidential candidates have been invited by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) for a discussion on a range of topics including the rule of law, independence of the judiciary, good governance, ensuring law and order and the elimination of corruption in the country.
In a letter sent to both President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Opposition’s Common Candidate Maithripala Sirisena, the BASL invited the candidates to give a clear statement of their views, policies and strategies of implementation concerning these topics.
The BASL has sent a letter, along with a questionnaire comprising 30 questions concerning the areas highlighted, to be answered by the candidates. This would be the first round of the discussion. The candidates are invited to a panel discussion moderated by an independent panel, centred on the same themes in round two. The invitation also carried the rules of engagement concerning this discussion to be held on a date between January 2 and 5, at the BASL premises in Hulftsdorp.
The questionnaire includes questions on the candidates’ concept and present state of the Rule of Law, whether or not the candidates are satisfied with the Rule of Law within the country, whether the candidates believe that Sri Lanka must have an Independent Judiciary, and whether or not they believe that there are adequate safeguards in force against politically motivated appointment and removal of judges.
The questionnaire also seeks detailed answers on their plans and systems that would be put in place to establish an Independent Judiciary, and eliminate Corruption in the country.
The BASL has also sought to ascertain if the candidates would re-establish the Constitutional Council and the Independent Elections Commission, Police Commission, Public Service Commission and Judicial Service Commission, as envisaged in the 17th Amendment to the Constitution.
They have also been asked if they are satisfied with the independence, impartiality and professionalism of the Sri Lanka Police and Public Service, and what they would do to ensure those qualities within the said institutions.