A judge who is known in the legal fraternity as a close ally of former Chief Justice Sarath N Silva is to replace Colombo Additional Magistrate Nishantha Pieris from January, next year.

Nishantha Pieris is conducting the Magisterial inquiry into the death of former Rugby player Wasim Thajudeen who died under mysterious circumstances in May, 2012.

Former Chief Justice Sarath N Silva was a staunch backer of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Parliamentary election in August, this year. The CID has identified six individuals,  including the former President’s chauffeur,  as possible suspects of the investigation.

Colombo Additional Magistrate Nishantha Pieris has been transferred as the District Judge of Matara effective from January, next year. The next hearing of the magisterial inquiry of Thajudeen's case is fixed for January 20. However, the Colombo Additional Magistrate has already given his green light to the CID to proceed with the investigation and arrest suspects, if necessary. 

Meanwhile, President Maithripala Sirisena has requested multiple requests to delay the transfer of Pieris considering the sensitive nature of Thajudeen’s case. However, with the appointment of the Judicial Services Commission under the provisions of the 19th Amendment, the President does not have authority to interfere with matters related to transfers of judges.