Removing CJ part of power grab: Lankan lawyers

Colombo: Lawyers in Sri Lanka are demanding the government overturn a presidential decree dismissing the country’s chief justice after she was found guilty of misuse of power and unexplained wealth. The lawyers say the decree is illegal and part of a power grab. Lawyers Collective member Chandrapala Kumarage said Monday that the decision to remove chief justice Shirani Banadaranayake was “unconstitutional and illegal” and that lawyers would still recognize Bandaranayake as chief justice. [caption id=“attachment_587568” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] AP[/caption] On Sunday, President Mahinda Rajapaksa formally dismissed Bandaranayake from office after Parliament impeached her. Bandaranayake has denied any wrongdoing and says she was not given fair hearing. Jurists and activists in Sri Lanka say any attempt to appoint a new chief justice could lead to a constitutional crisis. PTI