Colombo, August 31, 2024 — The Bar Council of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has unanimously passed a resolution calling for the resignation of its President, Kaushalya Navaratne, following allegations of financial misconduct. The resolution was passed during a council meeting held earlier today.
The controversy centers around allegations that Navaratne, along with other senior members of the association, mishandled funds received from Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The BASL had secured a grant of 24 million rupees from JICA for an anti-corruption project in the latter half of 2023. However, accusations have surfaced that the bidding process and subsequent agreements lacked transparency.
In addition to Navaratne, Vice President Nalinda Indatissa, President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando, Advocate Nuwan D’Alvis, and Advocate Rashmini Indatissa are also implicated in the controversy. Critics argue that the management of the project funds did not adhere to the expected standards of accountability and openness.
The Bar Council’s decision to pass the resolution reflects growing concerns within the legal community about the integrity of the association’s leadership. The resolution, if followed through, could lead to significant changes within the BASL, as it seeks to restore confidence in its commitment to upholding ethical standards.
As the situation unfolds, the legal fraternity and the public will be watching closely to see how the leadership of the Bar Association responds to these serious allegations.
