The ceremonial welcome for the new Chief Justice Mohan Peiris

The ceremonial welcome for the new Chief Justice Mohan Peiris was held at the Supreme Court complex this morning.

The welcome address was delivered by Chairman of the Bank of Ceylon, President’s Counsel Razik Zarook while Secretary to the President, Lalith Weeratunga, Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Governor of the Central Bank Ajith Nivard Cabraal were among the invitees present at the ceremony.

All judges of the Supreme Court, Appeal Court, High Court, District Court, Lawyers and well-wishers were present on the occasion.

Addressing judges, officials of the judiciary and members of the legal fraternity at the Superior Court complex, he described those engaged in the legal profession as servants of the people and the judiciary as the “judiciary of the people”.

“I would endeavour to discharge my duties with the same zeal and energy I endeavoured to as a counsel earlier,” the Chief Justice said. He vowed for a fair dispensation of justice not disregarding the less fortunate.

Attorney General Palitha Fernando said: " As the head of the apex court and head of the judiciary on assuming duties we pledge our unstinted support in the discharge of the onerous duties cast upon the high office.

"Members of both the official and unofficial Bar, fortify themselves with the optimistic hope that the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law would be upheld to the optimum degree during the tenure of the new Chief Justice.

" I express my sincere hope and unwavering confidence that during your tenure of office your lordship with your wealth of experience behind you, will strive to do the maximum towards achieving those objectives. I have no doubt that the new Chief Justice's experience and exposure in the field of law would serve to enrich the legal literature through judgements."

Mohan Peiris was appointed to the post, following the Government removed the former Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake, through an impeachment motion.

- Asian Tribune -