The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has written to the Inspector General of Police, clarifying its position on lawyers’ vehicle passes.
In a letter to the IGP signed by BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Chathura Galhena, the Association stated that any attempt to invalidate or remove these passes based on a Gazette Notification would be ultra vires and contrary to the law.
The Association said that the Gazette’s scope does not extend to BASL-issued passes, which are affixed to windscreens and do not breach the Motor Traffic Act.
The BASL expressed confidence that there would be no change to the current practice of issuing these passes to its members, highlighting their continued relevance and legality.
Explaining the significance of the passes, the Association said they serve to identify attorneys-at-law when entering courts, tribunals, and other institutions connected to the administration of justice. They also function as a key security measure and are recognised by law enforcement as evidence that a vehicle is operated by a lawyer.
The BASL has issued these annual passes since 1997. In 2019, following the Easter Sunday attacks and at the request of the defence establishment, an additional identification system was introduced to further support vehicle verification.
“It is under these circumstances that we are surprised to see such news reports. You would no doubt appreciate the requirement for a lawyers’ car pass, and we are confident that no steps will be taken to alter the present status quo,” the letter stated.
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