Bar Assn supports Govt's peace efforts

The hierarchy of the Bar Association during a meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees pledged fullest support for the Government's efforts in defeating terrorism and ushering in an era of peace.

Representatives of the Association which met President Rajapaksa on Friday to discuss certain matters pertaining to the legal fraternity, fully endorsed on Government's present efforts to establish lasting peace in North and East.

As a result of these discussions, President Rajapaksa ordered immediate measures in a bid to resolve certain anomalies on the spot.

According to a request by Bar Association members, the President directed Justice Ministry Secretary Suhada Gamlath to look into the possibility of providing office space for lawyers close to the main courts complex in a bid to enhance interaction with clients.

The President also agreed to provide support to strengthen the Legal Aid programme initiated by the Association. President Rajapaksa also discussed matters pertaining to the present situation in the country and pointed out that the Government had always had public servants interest high on its agenda and had done everything possible to help matters even at the expense of financial losses at times.

The President also noted that programmes such as the Mathata Thitha and tax concessions on essential food items. had been done with Public interest uppermost in mind, although it incurred a heavy financial burden on state coffers. He also pointed out that despite incurring heavy expenses on the ongoing military efforts and maintaining almost 1.2 million state sector employees, the Government had never neglected the development drive and had initiated several mega projects.

Parliamentarian cum Lawyer Wijedasa Rajapaksa, Justice Ministry Secretary Suhada Gamlath, Bar Association Secretary U. R. de Silva and Treasurer M. U. M. A. Sabri along with several other members of the Bar Association participated in the meeting.