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BLA accuses BASL of partisanship
The Buddhist Lawyers Association (BLA) alleges that the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) is upholding judicial independence, selectively.
In a statement titled ‘Re-UNDATED BASL Statement on Independence of the Judiciary’, BLA President Uditha Egalahewa PC has said that the “BASL should be mindful of its role as a neutral and objective entity that contributes to the administration of justice. Aligning themselves with partisan views and taking a confrontational stance, selectively, undermines the credibility of the association and its ability to effectively advocate for justice.”
Full text of the statement: The Buddhist Lawyers Association of Sri Lanka whilst agreeing with the sentiments expressed by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) to uphold the rule of law and to safeguard the independence of the judiciary, strongly condemns the partisan, and selective approach displayed by the BASL in issuing statements.
First and foremost, it is essential to remind the BASL that it serves as the voice of the legal profession, and thus it has a responsibility to promote unity and fairness within the administration of justice. However, the said statement seems to align itself with sectarian views rather than focusing on the principles of justice and the rule of law.
We note with disgust that the BASL was prompt in issuing a statement with regard to a speech made by Parliamentarian Dr. Sarath Weerasekera, that calling it a brazen attack on the judiciary, when he was expressing his views of denial of Freedom of Religion at the several Bhikkhus of the Kurunde Vihare.
It is also surprising that the BASL was completely silent and did not think it fit to issue a similar statement condemning the blistering attack on the judiciary by Parliamentarian Mathiaparanan Abraham Sumanthiran, who also happens to be a member of the BASL. During the debate on the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill in the Parliament, Parliamentarian Sumanthiran had stated:
“It’s not only the parliament that swings like a pendulum,” “it is (also) the Supreme Court, so change that Supreme Court also. Ask them to go home.” “If they can’t read and understand their own determination in the 19th Amendment, with the very same words, within a few years, they said no, this requires a referendum. How can that be? They’re supposed to be learned?”
This is a scathing attack by Parliamentarian Sumanthiran on the apex court, and the supreme court judges of this country. However, quite shockingly the BASL remained silent. In fact, the BASL should have, in the first instance, proceeded to condemn the action of its own member for making such a derogatory attack on the judiciary. For reasons only known to the BASL, the BASL did not think it fit to do so.
It is with profound disappointment that we observe the selective nature of the BASL’s stance, wherein it appears to be inconsistent in its application of its principles.
It is going to be a century now since Lord Chief Justice Hewart made his celebrated judicial pronouncement “Justice should not only be done but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done”. This has become the golden rule of Impartiality. The conduct of the BASL does not seem to be Impartial. The juxtaposition of the aforesaid two incidents manifestly exposes the biased and partisan approach of the BASL in condemning and issuing statements.
Being the premier body representing the Attorneys-at-Law of this country, must not only act impartially, but also must be seen to act impartially. Hence, we are of the view that the BASL should, in issuing statements, act impartially without being subservient to extraneous political pressures exerted with ulterior motives for collateral purposes. It is our sincere hope that the BASL, as a pivotal institution committed to the sanctity of the legal profession, will earnestly reevaluate its approach and ensure a fair and impartial treatment of all matters concerning the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
The BASL should be mindful of its role as a neutral and objective entity that contributes to the administration of justice. Aligning themselves with partisan views and taking a confrontational stance selectively undermines the credibility of the association and its ability to effectively advocate for justice.
May our shared pursuit of justice guide us towards a harmonious society founded upon the noble principles of equity and integrity.”
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo welcomed the U.S. Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Stephen Howard and Astou Ndiaye, from June 8 through 14.
The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy said that it would launch a weeklong basketball program intended to harness the unifying power of sports, made possible through collaboration with Foundation of Goodness and IImpact Hoop Lab.
While in Sri Lanka, Howard and Ndiaye, both retired professional basketball players, will conduct a weeklong program, Hoops for Hope: Bridging Borders through Basketball. The Sports Envoys will lead basketball clinics and exhibition matches and engage in leadership sessions in Colombo and Southern Province for youth aged 14-18 from Northern, Uva, Eastern and Western Provinces, offering skills and leadership training both on and off the court. The U.S. Envoys will also share their expertise with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, national coaches, and players, furthering the development of basketball in the country. Beyond the clinics, they will collaborate with Sri Lankan schoolchildren to take part in a community service project in the Colombo area.
“We are so proud to welcome Stephen and Astou as our Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, to build on the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “The lessons that will be shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace. The U.S. Sports Envoy program is a testament to our belief that sports can be a powerful tool in promoting peace and unity.”
SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman in parliament demanded to know from the government the reasons for CEB suspending the leave of all its employees until further notice from Thursday.
MP Rahuman said that the CEB has got an acting General Manager anew and the latter yesterday morning issued a circular suspending leave of all CEB employees with immediate effect until further notice.
“We demand that Minister Kanchana Wijesekera should explain this to the House. This circular was issued while this debate on the new Electricity Amendment Bill was pending. There are many who oppose this Bill. The Minister must tell parliament the reason for the urge to cancel the leave of CEB employees,” the MP said.However, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena prevented Minister Wijesekera responding to the query and said that the matter raised by MP Rahuman was not relevant.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) successfully concluded the 8th Annual CIPM Symposium, which took place on 31st May 2024. Themed “Nurturing the Human Element—Redefining HRM in a Rapidly Changing World,” the symposium underscored the pivotal role of human resource management (HRM) in today’s dynamic global landscape. Since its inception in 1959, CIPM has been dedicated to advancing the HR profession through education, professional development, and advocacy, solidifying its position as Sri Lanka’s leading professional body for HRM.
Ken Vijayakumar, the President of the CIPM, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The symposium commenced with the welcome address by the Chairperson, Prof. Arosha Adikaram, followed by the Web Launch of the Symposium Proceedings and Abstract Book by the CIPM President. The event featured distinguished addresses, including a speech by Chief Guest Ken Vijayakumar, President of CIPM, and an address by Guest of Honor Shakthi Ranatunga, Chief Operating Officer of MAS Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka.
The symposium also featured an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Mario Fernando, Professor of Management and Director of the Centre for Cross Cultural Management (CCCM) at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
Vote of Thanks of the inauguration session was delivered by Dr. Dillanjani Weeratunga, Symposium Co-chair.
The symposium served as a comprehensive platform for researchers to present their findings across a wide range of critical topics in HRM. These included Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Development and Retention, Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility, Adapting to Technological Advancements, Mental Health and Well-being at Work, Global Workforce Challenges, Employee Empowerment, and Reskilling and Upskilling.
The plenary session was led by Prof. Wasantha Rajapakse. Certificates were awarded to the best paper presenters during the valedictory session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Kamani Perera, Manager of Research and Development.
The annual symposium of CIPM was a truly inclusive event, attracting a diverse audience that spanned undergraduates, graduates, working professionals, research scholars and lecturers. This widespread interest highlights the symposium’s significance in the field of HRM, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to network and learn from scholarly brains.The CIPM International Research Symposium was sponsored by Hambantota International Port, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), E B Creasy & Co. PLC, and Print Xcel Company.
