Speaking in Parliament today (06), Member of Parliament Chamara Sampath Dassanayake said that the sudden transfer of Gampaha Magistrate Bandula Gunaratne, who took a direct decision against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), is a grave injustice. The MP stated that while the gazette on abductions should have been issued for the entire country, it was gazetted only for one province, and the Gampaha Magistrate pointed out that this gazette was flawed.
Dassanayake alleged that at a time when twenty-one judges have been interdicted, this step was taken because the file against the IGP was forwarded to the Court of Appeal. He further mentioned that it is questionable for the government to act in this manner while claiming not to interfere with the law.
Views expressed by Dayasiri and Mujibur
Commenting on the matter, Member of Parliament Dayasiri Jayasekara pointed out that the magistrate, who took action regarding a circular issued by the IGP and acted against abductions, has had to be transferred. He questioned whether this is how the law is enforced in the country.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Mujibur Rahman also expressed his views, stating that Magistrate Bandula Gunaratne was transferred because he delivered a decision against the IGP. He questioned the government whether this is how the independence of the judiciary is being built.
