In a communication addressed to the Speaker, Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya emphasized the judiciary’s solemn responsibility to exercise public jurisdiction across all domains, excluding Members of Parliament’s privileges and powers.
This notification comes in response to concerns raised by Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, who highlighted breaches of parliamentary privileges due to specific court actions.
Chief Justice Jayasuriya underscored that, according to the constitution, the judicial power of the people is exercised by parliament through the courts. He noted that parliament’s direct exercise of this power is limited to its own powers and privileges and those of its members.
In his letter to the Speaker, Chief Justice Jayasuriya also highlighted the responsibility of all sectors to protect and ensure the independence of the judiciary, which is essential for the proper exercise of judicial power.