Late Eardley Perera PC an outstanding criminal lawyer - CJ

Sarath MALALASEKERA

Late President's Counsel Eardley Perera, was an outstanding criminal lawyer and brilliant gentleman who gave maximum assistance to his juniors while practising, said Chief Justice Asoka De Silva, after unveiling a bust of late President's Counsel Eardley Perera at the Colombo Law Library yesterday.

The Chief Justice addressing the distinguished invitees, said that despite being a busy practitioner, it was amazing how he could remember to exchange pleasantries with those whom he met, including the junior members of the Bar.

The Chief Justice recalling an incident where he was a junior under Senior Counsel Eardley Perera in 1972, during a case at the Panadura Courts, he was able to obtain the maximum assistance on how to conduct a case before a jury trial. "This was my first case. I still respect my senior, the late President's Counsel Eardley Perera," the Chief Justice added.

Late Eardley Perera PC was well-known for his unfailing courtesy to the Bench and to his colleagues, the Chief Justice said.

Mrs Eardley Perera and family members, International Jurist CG Weeramantry, Judges of the Supreme Court, Judges of the Court of Appeal, Colombo High Court Judges, District Judges, Colombo Magistrates, Solicitor General President's Counsel Priyasath Dep, Secretary, Ministry of Justice Suhada Gamlath, senior and junior members of the Official and Unofficial Bar participated at the unveiling ceremony.

Senior Attorney Upali Gooneratne, addressing the ceremony said that late Eardley Perera PC belonged to a family of lawyers and followed in the footsteps of his father, the late CSA Perera and uncles Andrew Silva and Shelton Silva. His elder brother, the late Herman JC Perera was President of the Incorporated Law Society of Ceylon and he too became President of the BASL, making them the only two brothers to adorn this prestigious office in the history of the BASL. The late Eardley Perera's children Ravith, Preemali and Vijith are members of the Bar.

Late Eardley Perera was blessed with exceptional forensic skills, coupled with a stenetorian voice, an amazing memory, a sharp analytical mind and a thorough understanding of men and matters, Senior Attorney Gooneratne said.

The welcome address was delivered by Senior Attorney Kuwera de Zoysa, while the Vote of Thanks was delivered by son S Perera.