It is necessary to protect the independence of the judiciary, to build a nation that upholds the rule of law. In our country we had a glorious past which protected the rule of law, and with the past experiences we are committed to protect its autonomy and prestige, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa after laying the foundation stone for a new lawyer's office complex at Hulftsdorp, Colombo, yesterday (2).

Three decades of terrorism in this country was a threat to the legal system. While the law and judiciary were functioning in the country terrorists were exercising their own judicial system in another part of the country, the President said. Under these circumstances within the past 30 years the writs, warrants and convictions issued by the courts seemed meaningless. This was because the power of weapons seems more powerful than the rule of law, he said. 

Today no one can challenge to the independence of the judiciary. Today all parts of Sri Lanka is governed by the laws pass by the Parliament, and practiced in courts. Defeating terrorism established the rule of law in all parts of the country, the President further said. 

President Rajapaksa stressed that the Government has taken all necessary measures to protect the prestige of the practice of law and the Government has no intention to interfere with the independence of the judiciary at any occasion. 

President further noted that for a long period we were having a strong judicial system which can solve problems without any foreign interference and courts in other countries are not needed.   

A country that requires efficiency is now rebuilding. Efficiency will pave the way to win respect and confidence among the people, he said. Thus the President Rajapaksa stressed the need for efficiency in the judicial system and other related institutions.

Courtesy: priu.gov.lk