JSC Currently "Reviewing" Transfers Of Pilapitiya and Nishantha Pieris In Light Of Fresh Concerns

December 23, 2015

In the wake of concerns raised by the country's legal fraternity over the transfers of judges hearing case against top echelons of the previous government, the Judicial Services Commission has decided to review transfers of judges Nishantha Pieris and Gihan Pilapitiya, Asian Mirror reliably learns.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya and Colombo Additional Magistrate Nishantha Pieris have been transferred out of Colombo from January 01, 2016. Pieris, who has been transferred as the new District Judge of Matara, heads the magisterial inquiry into the death of former Rugby player Wasim Thajudeen.

The Judicial Services Commission received a number of complaints that the transfers of Pilapitiya and Pieris will severely affect some important cases against certain top-brass members of the previous government. Legal fraternity also raises concerns that they will be replaced by loyalists of former Chief Justice Sarath N Silva who was now aligned himself with the political campaign of the former President. 

Sources from the Judicial Services Commission told Asian Mirror that no final decision has been made with regard to the transfers. However, they added that the JSC had the authority to 'review' the transfers and make a decision in the light of fresh developments. 

Chief Justice K. Sripavan heads the Judicial Services Commission, strengthened by the provisions of the 19th Amendment. 

back to top