Regarding the incident concerning the cancellation of Lawyers’ Car Passes (identification permits displayed on the front windshield of motor vehicles), the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has sent a letter to the Inspector General of Police clarifying its position.
This letter has been issued by BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Chathura Galhena. The Association points out that any attempt to revoke these identification permits for lawyers based on a Gazette notification would be unlawful.
According to the BASL, the subject and purpose of the relevant Gazette order do not apply to the Lawyers’ Identification Car Passes.
The Association emphasizes that these passes do not violate any provisions of the Motor Traffic Act.
The BASL expresses confidence that there will be no change to the existing procedure of issuing vehicle identification passes to its members.
Accordingly, the Association has highlighted the importance of these identification passes and presented the following points:
These vehicle identification passes enable the recognition of lawyers when entering courts, tribunals, and other institutions related to the administration of justice.
They serve as an important security measure in regulating vehicle access to such premises.
Law enforcement authorities accept these passes as proof that the vehicle is being used by a lawyer.
The BASL has maintained the issuance of these annual identification passes for 28 years, since 1997.
Following the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, at the request of security agencies, an additional identification sticker was introduced for members’ vehicles.
The BASL further states in its letter:
“We are surprised that such news reports have surfaced under the present circumstances. We trust that you understand the necessity of the Lawyers’ Vehicle Identification Passes, and we believe no steps will be taken to alter the current system.”
The letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police is attached below.
