Bar Association would always remain independent, no party politics: New BASL President

Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya yesterday explained that the Bar Association is vital in guiding the process of the legal profession.

He was speaking at the 49th Annual Convocation of the BASL where Kaushalya Nawaratne was inducted as the new President of the BASL. The event was held at the BMICH.

“The Bar Association creates an environment that provides and promotes justice with the dignity that the profession deserves,” the Chief Justice explained.

He emphasised the role of the new Council taking the responsibility for the legacy of the legal profession, while ensuring the responsibilities for society be protected and not compromised.

He explained the requirement for lawyers developing necessary skills instead of confining themselves in a growing environment of globalisation, and helping law students acquire such skills.

The Chief Justice pointed out the importance of the lawyer's role in society, especially in the last few years with the pandemic and the economic crisis, where lawyers should help society to overcome these challenges.

“Keep the interest of the profession in the forefront and continue with the legacy of the bar,” he concluded.

BASL new President, Mr Nawaratne, addressing the gathering, pledged to the members of the Bar that the Association would always remain independent, uphold the Constitution and protect the rule of law.

“Any interference to the judiciary would have zero tolerance,” he said, adding that protecting the independence of the judiciary is important to democracy, and that the Bar would always defend human rights as set out in the Constitution in an endeavour to have a society with equal rights.

Mr Nawaratne said that legal education should be revisited and opportunities should be created for young members of the Bar, including extending measures to raise legal education standards to be on par with global counterparts.

“Members with party politics would be vehemently discouraged under my jurisdiction,” he added.

Incumbent Secretary Isuru Balapatabendige was re-elected unanimously.

Solicitor General Indika Demuni de Silva announced the results of the election concerning the Executive Committee of the Bar Association.