The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed concern over recent incidents in which individuals have threatened legal action or lodged complaints against Attorneys-at-Law in connection with professional work undertaken on behalf of their clients.
In a statement, the BASL underscored the independent role of attorneys, noting that their professional duty is to safeguard the rights and interests of clients within the bounds of the law. The association reaffirmed the long-standing principle that legal practitioners must be allowed to perform their duties fearlessly in the best interests of those they represent.
While acknowledging that Sri Lanka’s legal framework already provides mechanisms to review and supervise attorneys’ professional conduct, the BASL cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in Supreme Contempt Application No. 3/2016 delivered on July 15, 2021. In that case, the Court convicted and sentenced an individual under contempt provisions for making false representations against an attorney, stressing that such actions undermine the administration of justice.
Calling for restraint, responsibility, and accountability from all stakeholders in matters affecting the justice system, the BASL warned that any attempt to intimidate or unfairly target attorneys would not be tolerated.
The statement was issued by BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Chathura Galhena.
