New BASL President vows 'to stand by his mandate’

20 February 2013 02:53 pm - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Attorney-at- law Upul Jayasuriya was elected as the President of the Bar Association defeating Tirantha Walaliyadda by a thumping majority at the BASL elections held today, despite a low voter turnout.

Out of the 1912 votes counted at the time of writing Upul Jayasuriya received 1471 votes, while Tirantha Walaliyadda polled 330 votes.

Speaking to Daily Mirror on the eve of his victory, Jayasuriya said it was a mandate for the principles he stood for.

“It’s a mandate that has been given for what I stood for - the integrity of the profession, the independence of the judiciary, protection of the rule of law, and the maintaining the dignity of the profession. I will unhesitantly stand by these principles and there shall be no compromise on these principles” Jayasuriya said.

Meanwhile Jayasuriya’s main rival Tirantha Walaliyadde while congratulating the new President of the BASL, said that he would give Jayasuriya any assistance that is required to carry out his duties.

“I respect the mandate given by the BASL and congratulate Mr. Jayasuirya on his victory; I spoke to him and told him that I would give him all the assistance required by him as the President of the BASL. However I’m still of my original view that the BASL that should have working relationship with the government, opposition, the Chief Justice and the Attorney General. I have that relationship. What I wanted to do was to re build the bridges that were broken down during the impeachment. Let us see how we progress from here” he said. ( By Hafeel Farisz)

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Comments - 12

Mattson Wednesday, 20 February 2013 03:11 PM

Okay, good show at winning the election. Let's hope the new BASL president doesn't become another pawn in this big game of chess...

Jagath Leanage Wednesday, 20 February 2013 11:46 PM

Congratulations! A person who allways tried to protect "Independence of Judiciary".

Anti-fraud Thursday, 21 February 2013 12:57 AM

This is not a game of chess. It is simply a game of draughts with the government owning the board.

hemal Thursday, 21 February 2013 12:58 AM

Sir you won the election as an independent candidate. Giveing good lessons to ruilling party and their best friend UNP! . We will have independent BASL for next 2 years with you in the office. Congratulations.

Lucky Weeramantry Thursday, 21 February 2013 02:07 AM

Congratulations To Mr Upul Jayasuriya For Elected As New President Of The Bar. His Principles Are Good For A Independent Judiciary.

klk Thursday, 21 February 2013 03:16 AM

Aiyo Ranil!

Anthony Fernando Thursday, 21 February 2013 04:25 AM

Tirantha Walaliyadde. Yes we heard from the press that UNP Leader Ranil and President Mahinda both gave their joint blessings on your victory. But what happened. As you went behind politicians who has no clear cut policy in protecting Democracy in Sri Lanka, the island wide lawyers gave a massive majorety to Upul Jayasuriya to be elected as the President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka. So the pro UNP lawyers and pro government lawyers who had gone into a joint pact were defeated. This clearly shows how the UNP leader Ranil is in hand in glove with the President MR, and now the people of Sri Lanka can see this pact Ranil and MR openly and they both got defeated. Good luck Upul Jayasooriya in your duties as the President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka.

jagath Thursday, 21 February 2013 04:25 AM

Congratulations! defeat for both Mahinda and Ranil, victory for people.

don martin Thursday, 21 February 2013 07:07 AM

We did not born yesterday

somapala Thursday, 21 February 2013 09:25 AM

Don Martin
Nobody can understand the meaning of what you say.

Channa Thursday, 21 February 2013 09:40 AM

As far as I remember he contested for western provincial council in UNP list . Can he be indipendant ?

CITIZEN Saturday, 23 February 2013 09:44 AM

CONGRATULATIONS! We hope your fight in defence of the Independence of the Judiciary and the maintenance of Rule of Law in the country will be pursued till we achieve them!! Wish you all success.

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New BASL President vows 'to stand by his mandate’

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