Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara

¶ 01 Hon. (Prof.) Tissa Vitarana was a distinguished scientist and statesman. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Ceylon and a Diploma in Microbiology from the University of London, and later earned a doctorate in Virology, attaining international repute. We remember with respect his leadership in laying the foundation for dengue control; his contribution was pivotal to bringing the disease under control. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, while serving as an MP, he participated in meetings with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and presented substantial proposals to take forward the control process.

¶ 02 He spearheaded the establishment of Vidatha Centres across the country under the “Vidatha” programme. During his tenure related to science and technology, he encouraged research, secured state support for scientists, and led many initiatives. He was a pioneer in introducing nanotechnology to Sri Lanka and provided significant support to establish the Homagama Nanotechnology Institute.

¶ 03 He was consistently engaged in progressive left politics, serving in various coalition governments since 2004, having made great sacrifices when forming the People’s Alliance in 1994. In Parliament, he presented scientific analyses on economic and social issues. He led the All-Party Conference to find a political solution to the national ethnic question and made major sacrifices in formulating the “Tissa Vitarana Committee Charter,” gathering views from all parties and implementing numerous steps, especially advocating for devolution of power.

¶ 04 He headed the Medical Research Institute and began his public service at the Department of Inland Revenue. As Minister of Science and Technology, he maintained principled positions. When the then Government moved to remove Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, although he was in Government, he voted against it with a straight spine, as did Hon. D.E.W. Gunasekera. We must honour them for their courageous stance.

¶ 05 Today, with the Minister of Justice present, I raise concern about the move to extend the retirement age of superior court judges—a draft Bill is reportedly with the Legal Draftsman: extending the Chief Justice’s tenure; raising Court of Appeal judges from 63 to 65; and Supreme Court judges from 65 to 67. This appears as an inducement process to influence judges, potentially blocking promotion avenues from lower courts and fostering unhealthy dependencies. Interference in the judiciary—extending the Chief Justice’s tenure—sets a dangerous precedent.

¶ 06 We have seen a video of the Chief Justice engaging in prayers. While everyone has freedom of religion, using religion in a manner that promotes or influences people in their faith is improper, especially when linked to healing the sick; this creates serious issues.

¶ 07 Recalling Prof. Tissa Vitarana’s integrity—standing against unjust removal of a Chief Justice—we urge the Government not to proceed with judicial tenure extensions that would harm judicial independence. Even when in Government, we opposed such actions then; we do so now. Let us learn from Prof. Vitarana’s life, uphold the rule of law, and ensure justice. May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana.