BASL Warns Against Interference in Sri Lanka's Judicial System

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Bar Association of Sri Lanka issued a statement today reaffirming its commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding judicial independence.

This comes in response to a recent statement made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Parliament yesterday, regarding the Supreme Court's ruling on the Gender Equality Bill.

The BASL emphasized the Supreme Court's role in ensuring legislation aligns with the Constitution.

While the public can hold differing opinions, the BASL statement criticizes attempts by the legislature or executive to influence the Court's decisions.

The BASL firmly believes that the judiciary should be allowed to function independently and free from any kind of external pressure.

The BASL views recent parliamentary discussions referring to "Judicial Cannibalism" and the formation of a committee to review the Court's decision as efforts to undermine judicial independence. They argue such actions aim to force through a bill deemed unconstitutional.

The BASL considers the President's statement a threat to the Court and the entire judicial system. Establishing a committee to review the Supreme Court's ruling is seen as a dangerous precedent.

The statement concludes by stressing the responsibility of both the executive and legislative branches to respect the judiciary's role.

Any interference, the BASL warns, could threaten the rule of law in Sri Lanka.