BASL responds to protests against Saliya Pieris

BASL responds to protests against Saliya Pieris

March 30, 2023   10:13 pm

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has issued a statement on the recent string of protests launched against former BASL President Saliya Pieris’s decision to represent a client of apparent concern. 

Issuing a statement on the matter, the BASL noted that the protests in question not only hinders the senior lawyer’s right to represent a client, but also acts as an attack on the profession at large. 

Further, they noted that Article 13(3) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka specifically guarantees every person the right to a fair trial and the right to be represented by a lawyer of their choice. 

The BASL also cited the Supreme Court judgment delivered in the landmark case of Wijesundara Mudiyanselage Naveen Nayantha Bandara Wijesundara v Siriwardena and Others (2019), the Judicature Act, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Civil Procedure Code in favour of their argument. 

Thus, the Bar Association strongly demanded that the relevant authorities ensure that Pieris’s professional duties and safety remain unhindered.

Attached below is the relevant statement: 

 

BASL Media Release by Adaderana Online on Scribd

Disclaimer: All the comments will be moderated by the AD editorial. Abstain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or slanderous. Please avoid outside hyperlinks inside the comment and avoid typing all capitalized comments. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by flagging them(mouse over a comment and click the flag icon on the right side). Do use these forums to voice your opinions and create healthy discourse.

Most Viewed Video Stories

Sri Lanka's National Vesak Week commences today (English)

Sri Lanka's National Vesak Week commences today (English)

APAC vulnerable to U.S. tariff risks due to trade openness – Fitch (English)

Air Force, Navy commences efforts to recover helicopter that crashed into Maduru Oya Reservoir (English)

PM instructs police to carry out a swift probe into death of Kotahena schoolgirl (English)

LIVE🔴 Ada Derana Prime Time News Bulletin 6.55 pm

Heated exchanges in Sri Lanka's Parliament over death of Grade 10 student in Kotahena

Pope Leo XIV celebrates first Mass after historic election as Pope Francis' successor (English)

Teacher accused of molesting Kotahena schoolgirl sent on compulsory leave (English)