Justice Minister under fire for undermining judicial independence

Opposition parliamentarians, backed by several civil society organisations, are preparing to initiate legal action against Minister of Justice Harsha Nanayakkara, alleging that recent public remarks made by the Minister amount to contempt of court.

The controversy stems from a statement delivered by Minister Nanayakkara during a public meeting held in Moratuwa last week, which critics argue cast aspersions on the independence of the judiciary. The statement, now widely circulated on social media, has drawn criticism from legal circles and opposition lawmakers alike.

However, Minister Nanayakkara has publicly denied any intention to undermine the judiciary, stating on multiple occasions that his comments were misconstrued and were never aimed at disparaging the courts.