A Full Meeting Of The UK Bar Council Resolution Supports The Rights Of Sri Lankan Judges And Lawyers

April 24, 2013 |

A full meeting of the Bar Council on April 23, 2013, which represents barristers in England and Wales, has resolved to support the right of Sri Lankan judges and lawyers to adjudicate and practise law freely, fairly and independently. The resolution comes following the impeachment of Sri Lanka’s Chief Justice, Shirani Bandaranayake.

Maura McGowan QC

Maura McGowan QC, Chairman of the Bar, said:

“The Bar Council of England and Wales is extremely concerned about the impeachment of Shirani Bandaranayake, which we believe constitutes a grave threat to the independence of the judiciary in Sri Lanka and to the Rule of Law.

The Bar Council condemns this action and seeks to offer its vocal support for judges and lawyers across Sri Lanka.

The Rule of Law is essential to any functioning and democratic society, to ensure that its most vulnerable can enjoy effective access to justice.”

For further information, please contact the Bar Council Press Office on 020 7222 2525 or Press@BarCouncil.org.uk.

Bar Council Resolution to Support  Sri Lanka  Lawyers  And Judges

23 April 2013

A full meeting of the Bar Council, which represents barristers in England and Wales, has resolved to support the right of Sri Lankan judges and lawyers to adjudicate and practise law freely, fairly and independently. The resolution comes following the impeachment of Sri Lanka's Chief Justice, Shirani Bandaranayake.

Maura McGowan QC, Chairman of the Bar, said:

"The Bar Council of England and Wales is extremely concerned about the impeachment of Shirani Bandaranayake, which we believe constitutes a grave threat to the independence of the judiciary in Sri Lanka and to the Rule of Law.

"The Bar Council condemns this action and seeks to offer its vocal support for judges and lawyers across Sri Lanka.

"The Rule of Law is essential to any functioning and democratic society, to ensure that its most vulnerable can enjoy effective access to justice."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. For further information, please contact the Bar Council Press Office on 020 7222 2525 orPress@BarCouncil.org.uk.

2. The Bar Council represents barristers in England and Wales. It promotes:

• The Bar's high quality specialist advocacy and advisory services
• Fair access to justice for all
• The highest standards of ethics, equality and diversity across the profession, and
• The development of business opportunities for barristers at home and abroad.

The General Council of the Bar is the Approved Regulator of the Bar of England and Wales. It discharges its regulatory functions through the independent Bar Standards Board .