Sri Lanka judicial independence concerns grow as the Colombo Law Society condemns allegations targeting judges and BASL officials.
Concerns over Sri Lanka judicial independence have intensified after the Colombo Law Society unanimously condemned alleged false and malicious attacks targeting the judiciary and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka.
The Society adopted a special resolution during its Committee meeting on July 28. It called on the President and other relevant authorities to act immediately to protect the judiciary’s honour, dignity and impartiality.
The decision followed a statement made in Parliament by MP Asitha Niroshana Egodawithana on July 23. It also addressed what the Society described as coordinated campaigns conducted through YouTube, social media and other media platforms.
Egodawithana had alleged that BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya agreed to become the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s Western Province Chief Ministerial candidate. He claimed the agreement followed a meeting with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.
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However, the BASL issued an official statement on July 24 and categorically rejected the allegation.
The Association described the claim as completely false, baseless and malicious. It also condemned what it called an attempt to mislead the public while relying on parliamentary privilege.
The BASL challenged the MP to repeat the allegation outside Parliament, where parliamentary privilege would not protect him.
Colombo Law Society Warns of Damage to Public Trust
The Colombo Law Society said defamatory and misleading campaigns against serving judges and BASL officials could seriously damage public confidence in the justice system.
It expressed particular concern about allegations circulated through YouTube, social media, electronic media and selected print publications.
The resolution strongly condemned what the Society described as malicious and unsupported claims against judges and legal professionals.
It also reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to defending judicial independence, constitutional governance, the rule of law and the dignity of the courts.
The Society recognised freedom of expression as an essential democratic right. However, it said organised false propaganda designed to harass, intimidate or prejudice judges could not receive protection as legitimate public debate.
It therefore urged lawyers, journalists, media organisations, civil society groups and members of the public to act responsibly when discussing judicial affairs.
According to the Society, irresponsible claims can weaken confidence in institutions that depend heavily on public trust and perceived impartiality.
Authorities Urged to Investigate Alleged Offences
The Committee called on law enforcement agencies to investigate publications or statements that may constitute criminal offences, defamation or threats.
It also decided to formally notify the President and relevant state authorities. The Society requested appropriate measures to safeguard the judiciary’s dignity and independence.
In addition, it asked the BASL Secretary to place the issue before the Bar Association’s Special General Meeting scheduled for July 29.
The resolutions reflect growing concern within the legal profession over campaigns directed at judges, lawyers and professional organisations.
The Colombo Law Society stressed that protecting Sri Lanka judicial independence remains essential to democracy and constitutional government.
It pledged to continue defending the courts and legal profession against intimidation, organised misinformation and attacks that could undermine public confidence in the administration of justice.
