Justice Minister refutes claims of granting permission to set-up branch of ABA in SL

Justice Minister Thalatha Athukorala has refuted claims that she had granted permission to establish a branch of the American Bar Association (ABA) or any of its affiliated bodies.

“I have not given permission to set-up such a facility in the country as the minister-in-charge (of justice),” Ms. Athukorala said in a press release.

She made these remarks in response to certain alleged remarks made by Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) President Kalinga Indatissa to Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa that the Justice Minister had not disagreed to set-up an ABA office in the country.

“These statements which were made without consulting the President, Prime Minister, or myself has destroyed the name of the BASL due to petty political motives,” the statement read.

She further claimed that the people’s trust on BASL had also been destroyed since such “false” remarks could mislead the public.

In addition, the Justice Minister stressed that the government would not act in a manner which would destroy the country.