COLOMBO (News 1st) – Addressing an event on Thursday (May 31), President Maithripala Sirisena recalled an experience he had during the first 72 hours of his presidency.

The President stated that he was extremely disappointed by the state of the judicial sector as soon as he came into power. He went on to explain that 24 hours after coming into power, the highest official in the judicial sector met him to present a proposal. According to the President, this official continued to request a meeting with him, the President stated that 72 hours after coming into power he delivered a decision to his proposal.

That decision, according to President Maithripala Sirisena was to remove the then Chief Justice based on a number of factors including legal advice and the manner in which former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake was removed from her position.

He went onto state that he is happy that he was able to assure the country’s rule of law while strengthening democracy and freedom over the past 3 and a half years.

President Sirisena shared these views during an event to declare open the new court complex in Wattala which was constructed at a cost of Rs. 275 million.

At the event, the president also said a special unit would be established for judges to present their grievances and issues concerning promotions and transfers. President Sirisena said a proposal would be made for the appointment of a three-member committee comprising of Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court judges for this purpose.