In an unprecedented islandwide protest, Sri Lanka’s legal fraternity halts court work demanding justice, accountability, and an end to the country’s growing culture of violence.
Sri Lanka’s justice system faces an extraordinary pause today as all lawyers attached to the Bar Association of Sri Lanka withdraw from court proceedings in protest over the shocking shooting death of a lawyer and his wife in Akuregoda. The decision marks one of the strongest collective actions taken by the country’s legal community in recent years.
Bar Association President Rajeev Amarasuriya stated that the legal fraternity is calling on the government to launch an urgent and credible investigation into the brutal killings. A special general meeting was convened yesterday afternoon to deliberate on the tragedy, which has sent shockwaves through the legal profession and raised serious concerns about public safety and rule of law.
Addressing the media, Amarasuriya confirmed that four unanimous resolutions were adopted at the meeting, which saw the participation of approximately 3,500 lawyers. Due to space constraints, several members joined virtually via Zoom, underscoring the gravity of the moment.
The Bar Association resolved to urge the government to end the prevailing culture of murder and restore public confidence in law enforcement. All lawyers will abstain from professional activities in courts today as a symbolic yet powerful protest. The Association also demanded that the police and relevant public security agencies swiftly arrest those responsible and initiate appropriate legal proceedings. In addition, strong displeasure was expressed over the circulation of unverified information by authorities.
The legal fraternity emphasized that these targeted killings threaten not only individual lives but also the integrity of Sri Lanka’s justice system. The Bar Association reiterated its deep concern and stressed that accountability, transparency, and swift action are essential to safeguard the rule of law and maintain public trust.
