BASL vows to defend judicial independence, says justice must never bow to politics or public pressure

By The Pulseline News Desk

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has reaffirmed its commitment to defending judicial independence and upholding the rule of law, declaring that the legal profession must remain guided by principle rather than political influence, public opinion or institutional pressure.

Delivering an address at the ceremonial sittings of the Supreme Court to mark its 225^th anniversary, BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya has reportedly said both the Bench and the Bar serve as custodians — not masters — of the law, carrying a responsibility that ultimately belongs to the people.

“The Bench and the Bar are not masters of the law, but its custodians,” Amarasuriya has said.

“The authority we exercise, the independence we cherish, and the privileges we enjoy exist not for our benefit, but for the people of this country.”

His remarks come at a time when Sri Lanka’s judiciary has found itself at the centre of several constitutional and governance debates, including discussions over judicial reforms, appointments and the independence of key institutions.

‘Voice of the judiciary’

Amarasuriya has described the Bar as an essential pillar within Sri Lanka’s justice system, arguing that its responsibilities extend well beyond representing litigants in court.

“Within this architecture, the Bar stands as also the voice of the judiciary, defending its independence and ensuring that justice remains accessible to every citizen,” he has said.

However, he has stressed that the legal profession’s responsibility does not end with protecting the courts.

Rather, he has said, lawyers have a broader constitutional obligation to ensure that justice itself is administered fairly and impartially.

Justice must not be shaped by pressure

The BASL President has warned against allowing legal processes to be influenced by political interests, institutional preferences or shifting public opinion.

“The Bar’s duty is to ensure that justice is pursued on principle, not shaped by popular sentiment, political pressure, or the favour of any institution,” he has said.

The comments underscore a long-standing position adopted by the BASL that the rule of law requires judges and lawyers alike to remain independent from external influence, regardless of the political climate.

‘Fearless and unwavering’

Amarasuriya has concluded by pledging that the BASL would continue to defend those principles without compromise.

“As regards to this responsibility, the Bar has stood, and will continue to stand, fearless and unwavering, guided only by the rule of law and the obligations it owes to the people of this country,” he has said.

The address formed part of the Supreme Court’s 225^th anniversary commemorations, which brought together members of the judiciary, the Attorney General’s Department, the legal profession and senior public officials.

The ceremony also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernise Sri Lanka’s justice system through digitalisation and improved case management, while reinforcing the constitutional importance of an independent judiciary and a legal profession committed to safeguarding the rule of law.