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BASL played lead role in advocating for the protection of human rights: BASL President
The 48th Convocation of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka was held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall on Saturday, March 26. Reelected President Saliya Peiris addressed the gathering which consisted of the Chief Justice, the Minister of Justice, the Attorney General, and other members of the bar and the bench.
“The BASL played a lead role in advocating for the protection of human rights, the independence of the judiciary and in seeking to uphold the Constitution, making interventions where necessary,” he said reflecting on the last year. The BASL played an active role in challenging unconstitutional Bills, like the Inland Revenue Act, the Port City Commission Bill and the Special Goods and Services Tax Bill (Special GST Bill). 
Representatives of the Association served on a host of sub-committees established by the Ministry of Justice on reforms to different laws. The BASL also made important inputs into draft legislation prepared by the Government, including amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code, the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and the proposed changes to the matrimonial and divorce law.
He further noted that during the last year, the BASL continued to lay special emphasis on the professional development of its members. In addition to the National Law Conference, online certificate courses and Legal Symposiums, the BASL conducted 175 webinars during 2020-2022, in multiple languages, on different areas of the law, professional development, and career guidance. During this time, the BASL commenced a district-wise Continuous Legal Education series termed ‘Nithi Neethi Sasi’ and launched the BASL YouTube channel to promote continuing professional development of its members. Nearly two thousand lawyers participated in the district-wide CLE programmes.
“In the coming year we hope, in consultation with the membership, to make proposals on the requirement for Continuing Professional Development among the wider membership,” he continued.
Apart from the traditional Junior National Law Conference, the Junior Bar launched a series of workshops and programmes in Colombo and the regions. The Northern Law Conference was one such initiative as was the three stage Orientation Programme for the new entrants to the legal profession. The JBC commenced a series of workshops titled ‘Empowerment’ seeking to strengthen the capacity of junior members. The pandemic caused a serious impact on junior members which led the Junior Bar to launch the ‘Kind Hands’ Programme to assist its members. The JBC and the Women Lawyers’ Committee has launched a Mentorship Programme intended to mentor young members of the profession.
The BASL also launched the BASL Members’ Benevolent Society, which Mr Peiris noted was “a long felt need to provide support to members facing difficult circumstances.” The BASL hopes to set apart the funds raised at the Law Asia 2016 to this society, which will also be mandated to raise its own funds through members contributions, donations, and other fundraising activities.
Two committees of the BASL, the Women Lawyers’ Committee and the Women Lawyers Professional and Career Development Committee were established over the last year. The Women Lawyers’ Committee has formulated proposals for a mechanism to address grievances and for the establishment of a Day Care Centre in Hulftsdorp. The Committee submitted proposals on attire for Women Lawyers which are now before the Supreme Court.
Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya PC also commended the BASL for facilitating and enhancing collaboration between the Bar and the Bench, especially during conditions as dire as the pandemic when court functions moved online. He also appreciated the efforts taken by the BASL to uplift young lawyers.
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