COLOMBO: Three legal associations of the Commonwealth have called for Sri Lanka's suspension from the body of former British colonies and to reconsider holding a heads of government meeting in the country later this year citing an erosion of judicial independence and repression.
They cited a controversial impeachment of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake earlier this year and Parliament's non-compliance with court orders on the process.
Rajapaksa sacked Bandaranayake after a Parliament committee found her guilty of misuse of power and possessing undeclared bank accounts. He appointed a close aide as the new chief justice.
Judges and lawyers criticized the move as flawed and Bandaranayake said she was not given a fair trial.
Two years ago Parliament abolished provisions for an independent judicial services commission and vested powers of appointing and sacking judges on the president.
C' wealth wants Lanka suspended
