BASL condemns Kaduwela Mayor’s conduct over obstruction of lawyer

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda 

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has strongly condemned the conduct of Kaduwela Mayor Ranjan Jayalal, alleging that he obstructed and hindered an Attorney-at-Law while representing an Animal Welfare Association at an inquiry conducted by the Mayor. 

According to the BASL, the Attorney-at-Law had been representing an Animal Welfare Association when the incident occurred. BASL viewed the Mayor’s conduct as a serious interference with the professional independence and duties of an Attorney-at-Law. 

In a statement, the BASL referred to audio recordings circulating on social media and reports carried by the media, in which the Mayor is allegedly heard claiming to be an “Unofficial Magistrate” and implying that he was exercising judicial authority. The BASL stressed that such a claim is wholly erroneous and misconceived, as the Mayor was not acting under the authority of any Magistrate nor exercising any judicial power at the time of the incident. The statement, dated December 19, 2025, was signed by BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Chathura Galhena.