Sri Lanka: Supreme Court and adequate recognition of rights/LTTE shells hospital

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka in an opinion sought by President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that the constitution of Sri Lanka and the Supreme Court rulings could g ive "adequate recognition to the provisions contained in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights."

A bench of five judges headed by Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva said in the ruling that the people could derive the benefits of the international covenant through the judiciary and the constitution.
Under the constitutional provisions the President could seek the opinion of the supreme court of the country on any legal issue and this opinion was sought under that.

Minister Professor G.L.Peiris said the Supreme Court now has given a clear message to people who were trying to tarnish the image of the country. For the past few weeks Professor Peiris was spearheading a movement to eradicate anti-Sri Lanka mudslinging with the intention of saving the country's international reputation and thereby the national economy. Peiris said the enemies were attempting to stop the aid given to the country under false allegations.

The five bench of judges said "legal and constitutional processes prevailing in the country" could justify the rights recognized by the international covenant.

The panel of judges consisted of Chief justice Sarath N. Silva and Justices R.A.N.G. Amaratunga, Saleem Marsoof, A.M. Somawansa, and D.J. De S. Balapatabendi.

Professor G.L. Peiris who is the Minister in charge of international Trade said "Currently there are attempts to pressure the European Union to stop the GSP + facilities to Sri Lanka by claiming that the country's Constitution has not given adequate recognition to Civil and Political Rights."

By: Walter JAYAWARDHANA
Source: Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law & Order - Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

In related news, Tension prevailed in Murunkan area, Mannar as LTTE launched heavy artillery shells were reported to have damaged the Murunkan government hospital today (April 01) at around 6.30 a.m. According to available reports, a hospital building was partially damaged during the indiscriminate LTTE artillery attack. Details of damages caused to civilian and properties are yet to be estimated.