Bar Association on Tissanayagam case

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) Executive Committee is of the unanimous view that several criticisms made regarding the judgment in the Tissanayagam case are unwarranted.

Such criticisms are from sections of the local and foreign public, the Association said. BASL President W. Dayaratne issuing a statement noted: "Tissanayagam was convicted by a court of law and has a right of appeal.

The Superior Courts can and will reverse the verdict/sentence in the event of an error in law. Whilst persons have rights to constructively analyse judgements, the comments made do not amount to this. Thus such comments are unjustified and would prejudice the proper administration of law. The Bar Association of Sri Lanka is strongly committed to the Rule of Law and the Independence of the Judiciary and condemns statements which tend to undermine either of the aforesaid.