dbsjeyaraj.com

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

“It is not merely of some importance but is of fundamental importance, that justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done.” - Lord Chief Justice Hewart in Rex vs Sussex Justices Ex parte Macarthy

The above mentioned observation by British Lord Chief Justice Hewart has become famous over the years as an aphorism espousing and emphasising the importance of appearance in meting out justice.It is not only important to ensure justice but equally necessary to demonstrate clearly that Justice appears to have been done.

“A Salute to the Nation” posters of the Common Opposition Presidential Candidate General Sarath Fonseka are posted in Mannar Island, North Western Province of Sri Lanka -Pic: humanityAshore flickr

When I began writing this article on Thursday February 25th my intention was to argue that retired four star General and defeated Presidential elections candidate Sarath Fonseka should not be court-martialled by a military tribunal.

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

A striking facet of Gotabhaya Rajapakse’s intriguing personality is the candour he displays in some media interviews. Instead of bluffing, sidestepping or trying to wriggle out of answering tricky questions the Defence secretary responds directly and fields them in a frank,forthright manner.

This characteristic was very much evident in the telephonic interview given by the Presidential sibling on Wednesday Feb 10th evening to Ravi Velloor of the Singapore-based “Straits Times” barely 48 hours after the controversial arrest and detention of ex-Army commander and defeated Presidential elections candidate General Sarath Fonseka.

General Sarath Fonseka’s rally at Panadura-Jan 2009