BASL should act with more responsibility - Yapa

Disna Mudalige

The members of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), as representatives of an esteemed professional body, should act more responsibly and negotiate peacefully with relevant parties during times of crisis in the country, Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said.

Addressing a ceremony to commence work at the Kuliyapitiya - Hettipola Road Development Project, the minister said as a life member of the BASL, he regretted the unbecoming conduct of the present generation of the association. Yapa said the recent protests by the Bar Association hoisting black flags showed how the association has been used for political motives.

He said BASL members could have successfully solved their matters through negotiations while safeguarding their dignity and honour.

"Everybody should obey the country's law. If a person does something wrong, he must be punished. There is a proper procedure to take action on these occasions, and I believe nobody can challenge this procedure," the minister said. Yapa said a few people clad in black coats and working on a political agenda cannot be allowed to ruin the peace and stability, which is essential for the development of a country. "This government came to power to serve the people. Nobody will be allowed to play the fool with the government. We work to usher a better tomorrow for our people. Therefore, the more this government is strengthened, it will be the ordinary people who will reap the benefits," he said.