Sri Lankan President Sirisena’s early commitment to justice reform welcomed by IBAHRI

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) welcomes newly elected Sri Lankan president Maithripala Sirisena’s early public statements that he will work to strengthen the rule of law and support the independence of the judiciary in Sri Lanka.

At his inauguration ceremony President Sirisena stated that he would ‘create a national government… keen in strengthening the rule of law’ and reiterated his intention to secure the impartiality of judicial institutions and ensure the independence of the judiciary.

IBAHRI Co-Chair Baroness Helena Kennedy QC commented, ‘We are delighted that President Sirisena has publicly stated his intention to strengthen the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. Since the conflict ended in 2009, Sri Lanka’s independent institutions have been under constant attack. It is now essential to restore public confidence in the rule of law and administration of justice. We are much encouraged by President Sirisena’s early statements.’

The IBAHRI has been following with concern the situation of the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary and legal profession in Sri Lanka for more than a decade. Most recently, the IBAHRI reported that the impeachment of Chief Justice Bandaranayake was unconstitutional (2013). In 2014, the IBAHRI expressed serious concern at an escalation in incidence of threats and attacks against lawyers and activists – including the President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka – for speaking out on rule of law issues.

‘The peaceful and democratic transfer of power in Sri Lanka represents significant progress and heralds a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s history’, said Hans Corell, IBAHRI Co-Chair. ‘We look forward to continued dialogue and cooperation with our Sri Lankan colleagues in the legal profession, and, as always, we stand firm with them for the protection of human rights, the rule of law and the independence of the legal profession.’