Lawyers Collective  members who are presenly protesting outside Supreme Court complex demanding the resignation of Chief Justice Mohan Peiris,  told Asian Mirror that the impeached Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake would assume duties today as the Chief Justice of Sri Lanka.

“CJ 43 will arrive here shortly,” lawyer Sunil Watagala, a stalwart of the Lawyers’ Collective said. The statement was also confirmed by J.C. Weliamuna, a co-convener of the collective, pressing for Chief Justice Peiris's removal. 

When asked about the modus operandi of the transfer of power at the top of the country’s judiciary, he said the lawyers would ensure the exit of Peiris  today itself - who, according to them, holds the office ‘illegally.”  

“Soon after that,” he said, “Bandaranayake, who is still the ‘legal’ Chie Justice of the country, will assume duties today as the Chief Justice.”

When asked about the matter, Wijeratne kodippili, the person who claims to be the Media Spokesman of the Chief Justice said, Peiris would continue in office, despite protests by lawyers and civil society members.

“He has no intention of resigning,” Kodippili added.