Sri Lanka protests over attack on judge

Sri Lanka's judges and lawyers demonstrate next to a coffin which they said symbolised the death of independent judiciary as they protest outside a court complex in Colombo, Sri Lanka (AP)

Judges and lawyers boycotted courts yesterday in protest against an assault on an outspoken judge.

About 500 lawyers and staff wearing black headbands marched in front of Colombo's courts carrying a coffin, saying the attack on Judge Manjula Tilakaratne symbolised the death of an independent judiciary.

Mr Tilakaratne, head of the service that handles appointment and transfer of judges, was assaulted by four men on Sunday. Protesters said he had irked the government with a statement two weeks ago complaining of outside influences on his commission's decisions.

AP