⚖️ Constitutional Debate: Speaker Rejects Oversight of JSC

A significant constitutional debate has emerged following Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne’s rejection of a parliamentary motion to examine the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). The motion, supported by 31 MPs, sought a Select Committee to review JSC powers regarding the appointment, promotion, and discipline of judicial officers. • Core Dispute: The Speaker ruled that a parliamentary inquiry would violate the independence of the judiciary, asserting that the JSC exercises the "judicial power of the People." • Constitutional Critique: Critics argue this is a "fundamental flaw," citing a 1962 Supreme Court ruling (The Queen v. Liyanage) which defined the JSC as an executive body, not a judicial one, despite being chaired by the Chief Justice. • Global Standards: Concerns were raised that Sri Lanka has yet to adopt the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct or the Istanbul Declaration, international "gold standards" for judicial transparency and disciplinary procedures. • Legislative Context: The motion followed a heated 2026 Budget debate over financial allocations for the JSC. While judge salaries are protected, the JSC’s administrative conduct remains a point of parliamentary contention. _Summary based on current reports and legal reviews._