The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has called for a comprehensive investigation into an incident of violence that occurred near the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court complex on Friday (30 January), during which a group of individuals attacked a lawyer’s vehicle.
In a letter addressed to Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya, the BASL urged the Police to immediately report the facts to the Magistrate’s Court, warning that such incidents pose a serious threat to the administration of justice.
The letter, signed by BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Chathura Galhena, stated that the incident “sets a dangerous precedent and directly undermines the system of administration of justice in the country,” and stressed that such occurrences must not be allowed to recur.
The incident has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of legal professionals and the sanctity of judicial proceedings.
According to reports, the unrest was linked to a case involving a foreign employment agency, whose Chairman had been remanded over allegations related to a failed foreign recruitment drive to Romania. Tensions escalated after the suspect was denied bail, prompting a crowd of around 400 aggrieved individuals to gather at the court premises to lodge complaints.
Attorney-at-Law Harshana Jayaratne, whose vehicle was damaged during the incident, said the attack occurred due to mistaken identity. He explained that the crowd had wrongly assumed the vehicle belonged to Senior Counsel Mervyn de Silva, the lead counsel in the case.
Jayaratne stated that his vehicle sustained significant damage while he was stuck in traffic near the Gamsaba Junction, close to the court complex. He also commented on the security situation, noting that although Police officers were present, they initially struggled to control the crowd.
“The Mirihana Police had deployed around 10 to 15 officers to provide security at the court complex. However, they were initially unable to bring the situation under control. It took about five to ten minutes before the crowd was restrained,” he said.
Responding to the incident, Police Spokesperson ASP F.U. Wootler defended the Police action, stating that officers had acted promptly and effectively. He said statements had been recorded, investigations were underway, and one suspect had already been arrested.
Wootler also issued a stern warning against unlawful assemblies near court premises, highlighting legal provisions that criminalise aggressive and disruptive behaviour in such areas.
