The demonstration has been organized by a collective of lawyers, journalists, and civil activists, and is scheduled to take place on Tuesday (21) at 10.00 a.m. near the Aluthkade Courthouse in Colombo.
Organizers state that the protest is being held in response to alleged corruption within the Attorney General’s Department and the alleged protection of corrupt individuals. Protesters claim that the Attorney General has failed to enforce the law equally and has allegedly shielded certain individuals accused of corruption.
One of the main allegations raised is that the Attorney General has acted in a biased manner during investigations involving former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. In addition, criticism has been directed at the handling of several high-profile cases, including the Mahara prison killing and the murder of a young man named Mahesh Indika.
Further allegations raised by protesters include the arrest of the brother of an officer attached to the Attorney General’s Department in a foreign country, on suspicion of links to underworld activities.
It is also recalled that a protest was staged in front of the Attorney General’s Department last year following the decision to acquit several suspects in the Lasantha Wickrematunga murder case.
Meanwhile, an attempt by the Attorney General’s Department to withdraw charges against suspects, including Balangoda Kassapa Thero, at the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court today was unsuccessful.
In this context, protest organizers have called on the public to unite and raise their voices against what they describe as a corrupt government.
Against the backdrop of the planned protest, the “Free Lawyers” organization has announced a separate demonstration scheduled for 1:45 p.m. today, stating that the dignity of the Attorney General should be safeguarded.
The organization has invited lawyers to gather near the Attorney General’s office in Aluthgama, noting that the primary objective of their protest is to uphold the dignity of the Attorney General’s Department.
Meanwhile, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) issued a statement yesterday (20), urging that no interference be made in the affairs of the Attorney General.
