Alles accused certain prominent lawyers of appearing on behalf of big-time drug lords
(COLOMBO) – The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) on Tuesday raised concerns pertaining to the recent surge in fatalities in the country involving the police following the recent killing of an unarmed truck driver at Narammala in the country’s north-western province.
Narammala is situated some 82 kilometres from the commercial capital of Colombo.
The man a father of three died after police claimed that the service revolver of a Sub Inspector had allegedly discharged at a vehicle check point and the BASL has called on the relevant authorities to conduct an independent inquiry into the matter without further delay.
The Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles has ‘expressed determination to persist with the ongoing anti-crime operations’ despite the escalating criticism regarding their execution, the BASL said.
While acknowledging the necessity of law enforcement action against individuals engaged in drug-related activities, the BASL urged that such operations be conducted in manner strictly adherent to legal protocols.
With regards to the Minister’s statements suggesting that certain Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and lawyers had corresponded with overseas entities and triggered subsequent public statements, the BASL accused the Minister of making statements that are ‘irresponsible’, ‘misleading’ and ‘detrimental to the crucial role lawyers play in serving public interest’.
“The justice system provides a vital check and balance and should not be attacked for the sake of political point-scoring”, the statement reads”, it said in a statement.
There is a growing spat between the police and the legal fraternity after Alles accused certain prominent lawyers of appearing on behalf of big-time drug lords.
