January 30, 2015 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:
“Canada welcomes the reinstatement of Shirani Bandaranayake as Chief Justice of the Sri Lankan Supreme Court. In January 2013, at the time of the Chief Justice’s impeachment, I expressed deep concern about the opaque and politicized nature of her impeachment, an action that severely undermined the legitimacy of the rule of law in Sri Lanka.
“We also welcome the recent appointment of a civilian, H.M.G.S. Palihakkara, to replace a retiring senior military commander as governor of the predominantly Tamil Northern Province.
“Following the successful elections earlier this month, it is our hope that President Maithripala Sirisena fulfills the mandate given to him by the people of Sri Lanka to foster a transparent, responsive and pluralistic government. Canada will continue to encourage progress in the devolution of power, accountability and genuine reconciliation.”
For Minister Baird’s 2013 statement, please visit Canada Condemns Judicial Interference by Sri Lankan Parliament.
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