Dec 15, Colombo: Transparency International Sri Lanka has welcomed the President's decision to appoint an independent review panel before taking a final decision on the report of the parliamentary select committee (PSC) that probed the impeachment of the Chief Justice.

Issuing a statement, TISL said the President has publicly stated that the decision to appoint a review panel was to ensure transparency in his final decision on the impeachment of the Chief Justice.

TISL said it believed that the lack of transparency and openness in the manner that the PSC had set about their task of investigating the allegations against the Chief Justice created a feeling among the public that the Chief Justice was not given a fair hearing.

The statement noted that the public had therefore lost confidence in the PSC.

TISL said it is of firm belief that the proposed review panel should consist of impartial, independent and knowledgeable persons so that it will help to build up public confidence once again on the independence of the judiciary.

"At the same time it will help to establish a transparent and open process in adherence with accepted international norms and natural justice," the TISL added.