Lawyers staged a protest march in Colombo today over last week’s double murder in Akuregoda, Thalangama.

The protest, led by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, began at the Supreme Court Complex and proceeded to the BASL Head Office.

“This must be the final killing,” President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) Rajeev Amarasuriya said addressing media.

The BASL had summoned its members to Colombo yesterday (15) to decide on further action in response to the killing of Attorney-at-Law Buddhika Mallawarachchi and his wife.

At the meeting, it was decided that lawyers across the country would refrain from appearing in court today as a mark of protest.

Amarasuriya said the government bears responsibility for ensuring law and order. He said the BASL is prepared to extend its support, but stressed that the government must ensure such incidents are not repeated and that those responsible are brought to justice. (Newswire)

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The Judicial Service Commission has removed twenty officials, including judges, from their duties within the judicial service, it was reported.

According to the Lankadeepa newspaper, among those removed are a High Court judge, several District Court judges, and Magistrates.

Out of the twenty individuals, the services of seven have been completely terminated, while the remaining officials have either been suspended from duty or subjected to compulsory retirement.

The Judicial Service Commission took these actions following investigations into public complaints received against certain judicial officers.

Those facing serious allegations, such as corruption, were formally charged and subjected to disciplinary inquiries.

Following these inquiries, individuals found guilty of misconduct were removed from service by the Judicial Service Commission, chaired by Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena.

It is further reported that the High Court judge who was removed is currently facing an inquiry before Supreme Court Justice Janak de Silva.

Additionally, the Commission has granted the option of retirement to those found guilty who were nearing retirement age. (Newswire)

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The BAR Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has raised concerns over incidents of threatening legal action or filing of complaints against Attorneys-at-Law in relation to professional work carried out on behalf of clients.

Issuing a statement, the BASL emphasized that the independent role and function of Attorneys-at-Law was to professionally represent the rights and interests of a client.

The BASL further reiterated the principle, convention and practice which unequivocally enable a Legal Practitioner to practice his / her Profession in the best interest of one’s client and within the framework provided by Law.

In its statement, the BASL pointed out the Judgment of the Supreme Court in Supreme Contempt Application No. 3/2016 delivered on 15th July 2021, where the Supreme Court convicted and sentenced a person under contempt provisions for making false representations to the Supreme Court in relation to an Attorney-at-Law, as it directly impacted the system of administration of justice.

Emphasizing the important need for all stakeholders to act with restraint, responsibility and accountability in matters related to the system of administration of justice, the BASL warned it will robustly defend these professional rights in any forum, if the need arises. (Newswire)

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All lawyers will be subject to an inspection before entering court premises going forward, Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya said today. 

The Acting IGP made the remarks after inspecting the Hufltsdorp Court Complex in Colombo today, where a shooting was reported inside the court premises this morning, in which underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa was killed. 

Preliminary Police investigations have confirmed that a man disguised as a lawyer had carried out the shooting, with CCTV footage also identifying the individual. 

Speaking to reporters at the court complex, Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya said the shooting was a result of disputes between organized criminals and drug lords. 

He further said Sri Lanka Police are taking measures to arrest those involved in the underworld and drug-related activities to curtail crime in the nation. 

Pointing out that the suspects had utilised the lack of inspection of lawyers at court premises in today’s shooting, he said steps would be taken to subject lawyers to an inspection before entering court premises.

The Acting IGP said the BAR Association of Sri Lanka has also been requested to cooperate in this regard. 

He added that permission will also be sought from the relevant authorities to enable the deployment of armed officers for security purposes at court premises. (Newswire)

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The Lawyers’ Collective has expressed its concerns about President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent appointment of a Commission of Inquiry to propose electoral reforms. 

A Gazette notification was issued on Monday announcing the appointment of the members to the commission, which is to be chaired by retired Chief Justice Priyasath Dep PC.

Issuing a statement, the Lawyers’ Collective said this commission’s mandate is to examine all existing election laws and regulations, ostensibly “to suit current needs” and make necessary recommendations for their amendment. 

“According to the Constitution, the Elections Commission is already mandated to issue guidelines to the media and political parties for the proper conduct of elections. It has also prepared numerous reports on many of the matters outlined in the Gazette Notification. The notice published in the Gazette outlines several objectives, many of which fall within the purview of the Elections Commission, the constitutionally mandated body responsible for ensuring the conduct of free and fair elections,” the Lawyers’ Collective highlighted. 

The Lawyers’ Collective further said that this has led to concerns about the motives behind the Commission’s appointment. 

In light of the considerations, the Lawyers’ Collective has called on the President not to use this Commission as a pretext to delay constitutionally mandated electoral processes. 

It further called on the President to ensure that by legal design and for political advantage there is no further interference with elections and democracy at large.

Full statement : 

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