Courtesy The Daily Mirror

Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapaksa has requested the Judicial Service Commission to investigate the action of Colombo Additional Magistrate Tharanga Mahawatte who had offered food to a suspect.

This was mentioned by the Minister in response to MP Premanath Dollawatte and others who wanted action against the magistrate.

It is the Judicial Service Commission which has the power to take disciplinary action against a judge. I am therefore prepared to request a probe against the magistrate if the MPs send me the complaints against her in writing,” the Minister said.

MP Premanath Dollawatte who referred to the Daily Mirror story that appeared on Thursday titled Lawyers urge Attorney General not to interfere with the Judiciary” said the judicial officer concerned had acted in an unacceptable manner, This is a bad precedent as other judicial officers may also follow this example . One wonders as to what action should be taken against this magistrate? he questioned.

MP Samanpriya Herath said the magistrate concerned has made a statement saying the Aragalaya has been launched for the betterment of everyone and some action should be taken against her. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)