US Concerned Over Impeachment Proceedings Against Sri Lanka Chief Justice

The United States is concerned by actions taken to impeach Sri Lankan Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, the nation’s first woman chief justice. Bandaranayake has another 11 years in office unless the impeachment is successful.

The Sri Lanka government is accusing Bandaranayake of “improper conduct” and “over-stepping” limits in an escalating conflict between the Judiciary and the Executive.

“We also note with concern recent threats to Sri Lankan judicial officials, including the assault last month on a judge who had publicly criticized government pressure on members of the judiciary,” said, Victoria Nuland, US Department of State spokesperson in a statement.

“We urge the Government of Sri Lanka to avoid any action that would impede the efficacy and independence of Sri Lanka’s judiciary.”

The statement added that the United States, along with our partners in the international community, continues to urge Sri Lanka to address outstanding issues of the rule of law, democratic governance, accountability and reconciliation.