Prime Minister Stephen Harper attends question period in parliament today. (Picture by Jason Ransom – PMO)
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen was the only world leader to speak out against Sri Lanka Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake’s impeachment two years ago.
The Canadian leader called for Sri Lanka to “change course immediately” after the top judge was dismissed.
Earlier today, Sri Lanka’s new President Maithripala Sirisena reinstated Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake.
“Canada is deeply concerned by Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa’s decision to remove the Chief Justice from office following an impeachment process which appeared to be highly politicized and lacking transparency and respect for the guarantees of due process and fair trial,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in January 2013.
“We call on the Government of Sri Lanka to respect the country’s constitution and the independence of its judiciary and change course immediately,” he added.
Canada has since welcomed the new President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena who has set an agenda for democratic reforms. There was no immediate comment from the Prime Minister’s Office on the latest development.
