The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has cautioned that unsubstantiated personal attacks against judges threaten to erode public trust in the legal system, urging that any genuine concerns involving the judiciary be handled exclusively through established constitutional and legal mechanisms.
While reaffirming that the judiciary is not immune to legitimate public scrutiny, the BASL emphasized that any criticism directed at court rulings or judicial conduct must remain fair, objective, and grounded in fact. The association stressed that any credible allegations concerning members of the bench—including the Chief Justice—must be investigated transparently and objectively using recognized parliamentary and constitutional processes that safeguard due process.
The BASL’s intervention follows escalating public debate surrounding the government’s proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution. The legal body has strongly opposed the draft legislation, warning that it poses serious risks to judicial independence and public rights, and has formally challenged its constitutionality before the Supreme Court.
A central point of contention highlighted by the BASL is the timing of the legislation. The association noted widespread public concern that the amendment is being rushed to extend the tenure of the current Chief Justice, who is scheduled to retire on December 1, 2026. If passed in its present form, the Chief Justice would become the first Supreme Court judge to benefit directly from the revised terms.
Addressing a recent surge in hostile commentary across social media and within parliamentary proceedings, the BASL warned that targeted personal attacks compromise the integrity of ongoing judicial processes. The association called on state institutions, political leaders, and media organizations to protect the independence of the judiciary and resolve all legal issues strictly through constitutional channels.
