The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed concern over recent incidents where individuals have threatened legal action or lodged complaints against Attorneys-at-Law in relation to professional duties performed on behalf of their clients.
In a statement, the BASL underscored the independent role of Attorneys-at-Law, highlighting that their primary responsibility is to represent the rights and interests of clients within the boundaries of the law.
Reaffirming a long-standing principle, the BASL stressed that legal practitioners must be permitted to carry out their duties fearlessly and in the best interests of their clients.
While acknowledging that Sri Lanka’s legal system already has mechanisms in place to review and regulate the professional conduct of attorneys, the BASL referred to the Supreme Court judgment 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 claims against an Attorney-at-Law, ruling that such actions undermine the administration of justice.
The BASL further emphasised the importance of restraint, responsibility, and accountability among all stakeholders in matters affecting the justice system, warning that any attempt to intimidate or unfairly target attorneys will not be tolerated.
The statement was issued by BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Chathura Galhena.
