BASL Slams False Claims Against President Rajeev Amarasuriya

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) says the statement made by National People’s Power Parliamentarian Asitha Niroshana Egodawithana regarding BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya is false, baseless, and made with malicious intent.

Issuing a statement, the BASL said the remarks were an attempt to mislead the public by using parliamentary privilege.

The BASL issued the statement in response to comments made by MP Asitha Niroshana Egodawithana during yesterday’s parliamentary debate on the no-confidence motion against the Minister of Justice.

The association stated that such political attacks against the BASL will not succeed.

It further emphasized that Sri Lanka’s legal fraternity remains united and is prepared to face any challenge against the independence and integrity of the legal profession.

Meanwhile, the BASL also reiterated its position regarding the proposal to increase the retirement age of judges of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

The association stated that constitutional amendments affecting the superior courts should not be introduced in an ad hoc manner or in response to temporary circumstances.

The BASL said such amendments should only be introduced where there is a demonstrable institutional necessity, transparent public justification, and broad stakeholder consultation.

It also emphasized that public confidence in constitutional governance depends not only on the content of an amendment but also on the process followed in introducing it.

The BASL stated that it has consistently stood against threats to democracy, judicial independence, and the rights of the people, including the right to protest, regardless of which government is in power.

The association challenged MP Asitha Niroshana Egodawithana to repeat his allegations outside Parliament, without the protection of parliamentary privilege, so that appropriate legal action could follow.