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BASL standing by decision not to welcome new CJ
View(s):The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) will stand by its decision not to welcome the new Chief Justice, its President Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said yesterday. “There is no variation in the Bar Association (BASL) resolution not to welcome government appointed new Chief Justice Mohan Peiris,” he said.
His remarks came as preparations were underway to have a ceremonial sitting to welcome Mr. Peiris. The BASL at an emergency general meeting on December 15 unanimously decided not to welcome a new Chief Justice in place of Shirani Banadaranayake CJ.
President’s Counsel K. Kanag-Ishwaran said the ceremonial sitting was a felicitation ceremony of a superior court judge, be it Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal Judge.
He said according to the convention BASL President should invite the particular judge for a ceremonial sitting and upon the direction of the particular judge the registrar of the relevant court would then invite the President’s Counsel for the event.
He said the convention required first the Bar Association President to welcome the new CJ, followed by the Attorney General’s welcome speech on behalf of the official Bar. The newly appointed judge then would respond, Mr Kanag-Ishwaran said.
Meanwhile, President’s Counsel Faisz Musthapha said he was not campaigning or asking the BASL members to participate in the ceremonial sitting but added that his personal view was that the BASL should welcome the newly appointed Chief Justice and assist him administer justice in the country, thus putting an end to the bitterness.
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