Update 24th Aug 2012

Rishad Bathiudeen Minister of Industry and Commerce, has written to the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) requesting for a mission to observe judicial proceedings instituted against him in Colombo and Mannar.

In his letter dated 23 August 2012, the Minister has stated that these proceedings take place in a hostile environment. Minister Bathiudeen has stated that the BASL had called for a nation-wide boycott of judicial proceedings even without seeking a clarification from him. Furthermore, the BASL has made strong allegations and stated that he is guilty of contempt of court even before an investigation was initiated or his statement recorded.

ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-The resulting position is that I am presently called upon to answer charges of a criminal nature in two courts whilst the CID investigations are still pending. The vindictive role of the Bar Association and the hostility generated by the partisan presentation in (some) media has caused me grave concern which is aggravated by the fact that there are political and communal undertones,ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ Minister Bathiudeen has stated.

ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-The environment thereby generated is one of great prejudice against me. Some also made a concerted effort to sensationalise the incident by seeking to unduly make this out as symptomatic of a clash between the Executive and the Judiciary. As such I am firmly convinced that the appearance of observers from the Inter Parliamentary Union would be a significant contribution towards ensuring that justice prevails,ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ the Minister has noted.

Bathiudeen has denied all allegations levelled against him and has affirmed that he has always accorded the judiciary the highest respect and regard.