Dinana Dakuna slams Justice Minister’s ‘no referendum’ claim

The ‘Dinana Dakuna’ collective expressed severe criticism, alleging that a serious issue regarding the independence of the judiciary arises due to a statement made by the Minister of Justice regarding the 22nd Constitutional Amendment.

Issuing a statement, the organisation points out that it condemns the statement made by the Minister of Justice, Harshana Nanayakkara, joining a programme on a private television channel amidst a backdrop where petitions are being filed challenging the 22nd Constitution.

The Minister declared there that "a referendum will not be held anyway", and the 'Dinana Dakuna' collective requests the current government to clearly state its position in front of the country regarding that matter.

The collective states that while the relevant petitions are to be examined and the verdict declared by the Supreme Court, a reasonable doubt arises whether an attempt is being made to exert some influence on the independent judiciary through a Cabinet Minister making such statements.

Pointing out that Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa also previously made a similar statement, the 'Dinana Dakuna' collective requests the government not to make such statements that exert an influence on the judicial process.