The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) will review all pieces of legislation and make recommendations for law enforcement during 2019 and 2020, new President of the Bar Association Kalinga Indatissa, PC said, adding that it is a common complaint that some laws are outdated.
At a ceremony to induct the new President of the Bar Association by Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya at Hilton, Colombo yesterday evening, Indatissa said he wished to make most of his tenure as the president, to look into many long standing issues, such as finding solutions to legal delays and upgrading legal education in the country.
The restoration and preservation of the old building that housed the Supreme court since its shifting to the present location, will be another priority, he said, adding that the historical building is in a dilapidated condition.
Chief Justice Nalin Perera, PC said there is a public perception that lawyers serve themselves. While some complaints are baseless and malicious, he said, there are many that tarnish the reputation of the noble profession.
“It is through professional and ethical conduct the legal profession can win the trust and the respect of the society,” he said. Court of Appeal President Yasantha Kodagoda, PC congratulated the new BASL president. It was his first public appearance as the President of the Court of Appeal.
Praising the new President’s contribution to legal education and legal literature, President of the Court of Appeal Kodagoda said, he believed the new president had the capacity, deportation, wisdom, interest and the strength to steer the bar in the correct direction, armed with the mandate and responsibility to deliver his promises.
The results of the election of the bar association held on February 20, were announced on the occasion by Chief Presiding Officer of the election, Solicitor General Dappula de Livera, PC. Kaushalya Kumara Navaratne was elected BASL Secretary for 2019/2020.
Shavendra Fernando, PC was elected Deputy President while Nalin Chandika de Silva was elected Treasurer uncontested. Eight members were elected for the Executive Committee of the BASL and the Zonal Vice Presidents were also elected.