Attorney Manodhya Galpaya questioned what situation would arise if lawyers do not act for the benefit of the general public.
She raised this question while addressing a press conference held by the ‘Lawyers for People’s Mandate’ (Janavaramaye Nithignayo) in Colombo on July 28.
Further expressing her views, Attorney Manodhya Galpaya stated:
“In this era, a mandate has been given with the complete trust of the people. A government is in power that stands for the people, protects the independence of the judiciary, administers justice, and operates in a manner that visibly ensures justice is served. From the President to all Ministers, everyone is acting to safeguard judicial independence while working to benefit the public further by increasing the retirement age of judges. In an era where hundreds of thousands of cases remain backlogged in courts, the objective is to accelerate the administration of justice by utilizing the knowledge and experience of superior court judges.
Faced with these measures, individuals under suspicion and those out on bail have become visibly anxious. A clear public mandate and authority have been granted to introduce constitutional amendments. A government dedicated to serving the public must enact legislation for the people. Over the past period, not the slightest harm has been done to the judicial sector by this administration. Those under suspicion and on bail, terrified of this progress, have banded together to make baseless noise, and the public fully realizes this.
Furthermore, groundbreaking transformations have been initiated, including the use of digital technology to record witness statements. This transition must be elevated to meet high international standards. Lawyers are a skilled group of professionals; if lawyers from the North to the South do not act for the ultimate good of the people, what will become of the situation?
Even if a small group intends to mislead the public, an intelligent populace cannot be deceived. Throughout the past period, it has been proven that this government will never make decisions detrimental to the people. The country’s economy, which had fallen to a state where donations were being accepted from beggars in India, has now been elevated according to internationally recognized metrics. Under a administration comprising a President, Cabinet, and public representatives who uphold judicial independence and respect the rule of law above all else, we expect this decision will enable skilled judges to render a immense service in safeguarding the sovereignty of Sri Lankan citizens.”
