The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has criticised Kaduwela Mayor Ranjan Jayalal Perera after reports that he obstructed a lawyer during a public inquiry conducted by the Kaduwela Municipal Council.
The BASL said it was “deeply concerned” by footage and audio recordings circulating on social media that appear to show the mayor hindering an attorney-at-law representing an animal welfare organisation.
In the recordings, Perera is heard describing himself as an “unofficial Magistrate,” a claim the BASL said was “entirely erroneous and misconceived.”
The BASL said the incident occurred during an inquiry where the mayor allegedly suggested he was exercising judicial authority.
It stressed that Perera was not acting under the authority of any magistrate and held no judicial powers during the proceedings.
The BASL strongly condemned the mayor’s conduct, describing it as a serious interference with the independence and professional duties of the legal profession.
It said such actions undermine the rule of law and the proper administration of justice.
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