BASL urges authorities to ensure his safety

30 March 2023 08:41 pm - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has strongly demanded the authorities to take necessary arrangements to ensure former BASL President Saliya Pieris’ professional duties as an Attorney-at-Law and his safety.

Issuing a statement regarding a series of organised
protests in Colombo in relation to Saliya Pieris PC, the BASL observed that said protest not only seriously hinders his right to represent a client, a professional right which has been safeguarded by law, but also an attack on the profession at large.

These protests were organised relating to Saliya Pieris conducting his professional duties with regard to Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne alias “Harak Kata".

Section 41 of the Judicature Act which has clearly set out the right of representation and further shed light on the above mechanism established for implementing the administration of justice in the country, the BASL statement added.

Our constitution specifically guarantees the right to legal representation in Article 13(3),
which states that every person has the right to a fair trial and the right to be represented by a lawyer of their choice.
In addition, the Code of Criminal Procedure provides for the right to legal representation in criminal cases. Section 260 of the Code states that an accused person has the right to be represented by an Attorney-at-law, and every aggrieved party shall have the right to be represented in Court by an Attorney-at-law, the BASL statement further added.

This statement had been issued by newly elected BASL President Kaushalya Nawaratne and its Secretary Isuru Balapatabendi. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)

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Comments - 12

Anil Fernando Thursday, 30 March 2023 09:20 PM

Dont people have a right to protest peacefully as he advocates.

Nm Friday, 31 March 2023 04:18 AM

Right on target.

Siripal Friday, 31 March 2023 01:04 AM

Can't he buy private security with harak kata's money?

Sam Friday, 31 March 2023 02:25 AM

If Saliya Peiris appeared on behalf of protesters at Aragalaya free, he should likewise appear on behalf of protesters against Saliya Peiris free.

Ty Friday, 31 March 2023 02:51 AM

He can always ask for protection from his friend Harak Kata.

Daily Mirror Humbug useless to give name Friday, 31 March 2023 03:41 AM

Obviously the champion of calling Protests as peaceful against Government by Tradeunions , pseudo aragalist, IUSF and Peratugami can't tolerate peaceful protest by people. So BASL please don't hinder the peaceful.action by calling he has right of practice. Isn't it the same the with government. Good lesson for him. n

Jg Friday, 31 March 2023 04:16 AM

Why should he be given special protection just because few demonstrations against him.? After all he himself has defended very much more violent demonstrations than the ones against him. Demonstrations against him are like child's play comparing to the ones he had defended.

Dom Friday, 31 March 2023 04:25 AM

Don't waste taxpayers money!

Frog Friday, 31 March 2023 04:38 AM

Has he declared how much he is getting to defend Harak Kata? He can easily use part of the loot to buy protection from a private security firm without wasting people's money.

Miga Friday, 31 March 2023 10:06 AM

The problem is, there have been so many drug dealers, murderers, rapists and corrupt politicians represented by attorneys in the past. No one protested. But now they are protesting because Saliya did what none of them did. He stood for justice for the protestors free. These protests are done by people who stood against peaceful protests that changed Sri Lanka.

Man Friday, 31 March 2023 11:09 AM

As a person appeared for the peaceful protestors, he is under threat of the dictatorship in SL. If something bad happens to him, the executive cannot dispel his ignorance and responsibility.

MV Silva Saturday, 01 April 2023 06:26 PM

What is wrong with people protesting against Attorneys of Low (Yes not LAW), protecting cancers to our society?? Saliya Peiris is just like politicians who wants both ways. Enforce the Law against the people protest against them and break the law with impunity or above the law ONLY for them.

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BASL urges authorities to ensure his safety

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