Anti Terrorism Bill published sans consultation with stakeholders: BASL

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda   

Issuing a statement regarding the recently gazetted ‘Anti Terrorism Bill’, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) yesterday announced that it would not hesitate to challenge any bill that would deem to undermine the Rule of Law and the Liberty of the Citizen in the country.   

In a statement, the BASL stated that the Supreme Court being an independent institution should not be called upon to explain judicial orders to any other person or institution.  
The BASL stated that it was aware that an order made by the Supreme Court has been referred to the Parliamentary Committee on Ethics and Privileges.  

The BASL is of the view that the Judiciary should be allowed to operate independently, free from external pressures, threats or any interference, for a vibrant democracy to exist.  
The BASL further viewed that it is the duty of all governmental and other institutions to respect and observe the independence of the judiciary, and any interference in the judicial process, sets a dangerous precedent, which must be strongly condemned.  

This statement had been issued by BASL President Kaushalya Nawaratne and its Secretary Isuru Balapatabendi.