Lawyers have the lawful right to appear on behalf of a drug suspect and levy any charge, said Bar Association (BASL) president Kaushalya Nawaratne.
It is none other than lawyers who appear on behalf of 99 per cent of MPs in parliament who have court cases against them, he said.
He was speaking to ‘Lankadeepa’ in response to a statement by the public security ministry that it would expose the lawyers who appear on behalf of criminals and drug suspects and charge millions of rupees.
Making conceited remarks is of no use, and what is needed is to work in accordance with the law, added the BASL president.
BASL resolution
The BASL has adopted a resolution against public security minister Tiran Alles over a recent remark attributed to him.
He was quoted as saying at a passing out parade at the STF training camp in Katukurunda that eliminating criminals from the country is not a sin.
“Don’t be afraid to use the weapon in your hand for the right thing, and we stand by you,” he has said.
With Alles presently overseas, a top official in his staff said there has been a serious difference in opinion between the minister and certain lawyers for some months now.
