The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has strongly rejected allegations made in Parliament by NPP MP Asitha Niroshana regarding BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya, describing them as “utterly false, baseless” and made with malicious intent.

Speaking during Friday’s parliamentary debate, the Colombo District MP alleged that Amarasuriya had held discussions with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa last Thursday.

Niroshana further alleged that Premadasa had offered Amarasuriya the Chief Ministerial candidacy for the Western Province at the upcoming Provincial Council election in exchange for his support.

Responding in a statement issued on Friday, the BASL expressed “deep dismay” over the allegations and accused the MP of abusing parliamentary privilege to make what it described as unfounded and defamatory claims intended to mislead the public.

The BASL said political attacks would not undermine the organisation, stressing that Sri Lanka’s legal fraternity remained united in defending its independence and integrity.

It also reiterated its position on proposals to increase the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges, saying constitutional amendments affecting the Superior Courts should not be introduced on an ad hoc basis or in response to temporary circumstances.

The association said it had consistently defended democracy, judicial independence and human rights irrespective of which government was in power, adding that the BASL “does not, and will not, play politics.”

The BASL also directly challenged Niroshana to repeat his allegations outside Parliament without the protection of parliamentary privilege, saying this would allow “due legal consequences” to follow. (Newswire)

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