Government and National People's Power MPs have disputed characterizations of a proposed Bar Association of Sri Lanka briefing as being open to all parliamentarians, arguing that proper procedures have not been followed.
Government MP Dr. Najith Indika has stated that the government parliamentary group received no official notification of a Thursday briefing by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) intended for all Members of Parliament. Indika said he was present in Parliament on Wednesday but was unaware of any such programme. He contended that a comprehensive parliamentary briefing would require formal procedures involving the Speaker, Leader of the House, and the Committee on Parliamentary Business—steps he said have not occurred.
NPP MP Lakmali Hemachandra also challenged the characterization of the meeting as inclusive of all MPs. She asserted that Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa lacks the authority to summon the entire parliament to a meeting, and that any gathering would likely involve only opposition MPs. Hemachandra acknowledged that the BASL could change its previous position of not engaging exclusively with the opposition, but she cautioned against misrepresenting such a meeting as having bipartisan character.
Hemachandra raised procedural concerns about granting lobby groups access to address the full parliament while in session, arguing this privilege exceeded what was available to the general public. She suggested that advocacy groups should use conventional channels, such as individual letters and public consultation days, consistent with how other citizens and organizations engage with MPs.
Opposition Leader Premadasa had previously informed Parliament that BASL representatives were scheduled to visit on Thursday to discuss the proposed 22nd Amendment and vacancies in the superior courts. Premadasa stated he initially sought a briefing for opposition MPs before requesting expansion to all parliamentarians, and said the Speaker had been notified in writing with BASL confirming its availability.
