The Bar Association of Sri Lanka has urged responsible handling of concerns involving judges, emphasizing that while the judiciary should face lawful scrutiny, unverified personal attacks could undermine public confidence in the justice system.
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has issued a statement urging state institutions, media outlets, and relevant parties to address concerns involving judges through established constitutional and legal channels rather than through unverified personal attacks. While acknowledging that the judiciary, as a public institution, should remain open to lawful scrutiny and accountability, the association warned that irresponsible allegations could damage public confidence in the administration of justice.
The BASL stated that court decisions, judicial conduct, and the management of justice systems can appropriately be subject to fair, fact-based criticism. However, credible allegations involving any judge, including the Chief Justice, should be examined objectively through proper constitutional and parliamentary procedures that ensure due process and fairness. The statement cautioned against allegations circulated on social media and in Parliament that lack verification, noting these could harm both judicial independence and institutional integrity.
The association's statement comes amid ongoing debate over the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which the BASL has opposed on grounds that it threatens judicial independence. The BASL has also challenged the amendment's constitutionality before the Supreme Court. According to the association, there is widespread perception that the amendment is being expedited to extend the Chief Justice's term, which is scheduled to conclude on December 1, 2026. The BASL noted that if enacted, the Chief Justice would be the first Supreme Court judge to benefit from the proposed amendment.
The association called on all stakeholders to balance respect for judicial independence with genuine accountability, ensuring that legitimate concerns are resolved through proper legal frameworks rather than through unsubstantiated claims.
