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JICA-BASL project controversy: Some lawyers demand thorough probe

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A group of lawyers, including a President’s Counsel has said that those under investigation in connection with funds received from JICA for a particular project should step down pending the conclusion of an inquiry undertaken by a five -member committee consisting of Dr. K. Kanag-Isvaran, PC, Dr. Faisz Musthapa, PC, Ikram Mohamed, PC, Rienzie Arsekularatne, PC, and Geoffrey Alagaratnam, PC.

The following is the text of the letter addressed to the committee with copies to members of the Management Committee and Executive Committee, BASL: We write as concerned members of the Bar, upon learning of your appointment by the Bar Council on 18th May 2024 to look into the very serious and perturbing allegations pertaining to the BASL project/activities funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) relating to promotion of transparent and competitive business climate (‘Anti-Corruption) in Sri Lanka, as a Committee of Inquiry.

We welcome your appointment, as we believe that the appointment of a committee of respected seniors in the profession to independently and impartially inquire into the matter, is an excellent first step to ensure full accountability and protect the moral authority of the association as an honest, responsible professional body that genuinely upholds propriety, transparency and integrity in all its dealings where any serious lapses tire credibly alleged to have occurred.

The matters you are accordingly entrusted with inquiring into, entail very serious allegations of misconduct against certain BASL Office-bearers.

Such allegations warrant thorough, detailed scrutiny with a view to holding all concerned/responsible persons accountable and responsible to the fullest extent. The level of accountability imposed by the association on those Found to have breached or fallen short of the relevant standards will determine the degree of credibility and public trust the association will enjoy both within and without the profession, hereafter.

In the given circumstances, we note that it is essential that no stone is left unturned to impose full responsibility, liability and accountability and that the recommendations made are objective and duly reflect what is warranted and merited in terms of facts exposed and findings made irrespective of persons and personalities involved.

Accordingly, we note that in order to preserve the said moral authority, credibility and public trust, detailed and reasoned findings in respect of each and every person allegedly concerned, are imperative for the association to be able to properly exercise its responsibility towards the Bar, the general public and the country. Such detailed and reasoned findings would also credibly deliver vindication and fairness to any allegedly involved/concerned person/s objectively found absolved of liability in any manner or to any extent.

We also note with great concern that the Supreme Court and the general public must be great to place reliance upon the BASL to conduct honest, impartial inquiries into any alleged acts of professional misconduct for the purpose of disciplinary control of the legal profession by their Lordships of the Supreme Court. The credibility of the BASL as being suitable to be entrusted with the said role necessarily demands that the BASL leadership office-bearers should not comprise any persons who themselves credibly appear liable for breach of any professional ethics/standards in their dealings.

Therefore. due consideration and findings as to whether there is any apparent breach of applicable professional ethics/standards in terms of the Supreme Court (Conduct and Etiquette for Attorneys-at-Law) Rules 1988 by the persons concerned, remains crucial for the Bar Council and the membership to be able to determine what steps are warranted to hold those concerned accountable. We urge accordingly, that such findings are also covered in your report, for due consideration of the Bar Council and membership.

We also note with grave concern that in the given context, established norms of propriety and allegedly governance demand that all those allegedly liable or responsible for any misconduct in relation to the said project/activities involving JICA and the BASL and not inclined to voluntarily resign or step down from their positions in the association ought to be required to step down from Functioning in any office of the association forthwith, pending the conduct of the inquiry and final determination of the matter. Failure to do so, would inflict great harm on the association and its ability to claim true commitment to good governance norms. Therefore, this letter is also copied to the members of the Management Committee and Executive Committee of the association for necessary steps to be taken accordingly.

We thank you for undertaking the burden of the unpleasant duty of conducting a full, proper and fair inquiry without fear or favour into matters concerning the propriety of the conduct of colleagues at the Bar, understanding full well, how critically important it is for truth and accountability to prevail in undiluted form, given that much of the future wellbeing and legitimacy of the BASL in terms of moral authority and standing depends upon it.”



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Secretary to the President meets with heads of the Health sector

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A special discussion between Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and the heads of the health sector was held on Tuesday (18) at the Presidential Secretariat.

During the meeting, it was discussed that a committee would be formed to explore possible steps that could be taken through the President’s Fund to reduce the number of patients on long waiting lists for surgeries in government hospitals.

The committee is expected to submit a report on the matter within one month. Based on the findings, appropriate actions will be taken, as indicated by the Secretary to the President.

The discussion highlighted the significant number of patients, including those requiring cardiac, ophthalmic, and paediatric surgeries, who are currently awaiting procedures on long waiting lists at government hospitals.

Attention was also given to the potential support that could be provided by the President’s Fund and other relevant sectors to address the challenges faced by these patients.

Additionally, discussions were held regarding the possibility of conducting surgeries after regular working hours at government hospitals. The challenges faced by doctors and staff were also thoroughly discussed during the meeting.

The discussion was attended by several key officials, including Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Additional Secretary (Public Health Services) Dr. Lakshmi Somathunga, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, along with directors and specialist doctors from major hospitals across the country.

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Govt. plan to boost revenue with taxes on vehicle imports unrealistic, warns Harsha

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Dr. de Silva

By Saman Indrajith

SJB Colombo District MP Dr. Harsha de Silva told Parliament yesterday that vehicle imports would be affected by unusually high prices. Commencing the Second Reading debate from the Opposition side, Dr. de Silva said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had, in his Budget speech, projected a substantial portion of tax revenue from vehicle imports. “What is the feasibility of such expectations, given the current price surge,” the MP queried.

“Who can afford to import vehicles at these rates? I do not believe there are enough affluent individuals in Sri Lanka to sustain vehicle imports at these exorbitant prices.”

Providing examples of the dramatic price increase, Dr. de Silva pointed out that a Toyota Raize now cost Rs. 12.2 mn, a Toyota Yaris Rs. 18.5 mn, and a Toyota Prius a staggering Rs. 28.9 mn.

“Someone mentioned that a Toyota Vitz could be available at Rs. 1.4 mn.”

Dr. de Silva said that the government aimed to increase tax revenue by 1.6% of GDP with a significant portion expected from vehicle imports. However, he warned that achieving that target was unrealistic under current circumstances. The government must reassess its reliance on this sector for increasing tax revenue,” he said.

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SLN receives shallow water multi-beam echo sounder from Australia

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From left : Defence Advisor to the Australian High Commission in Colombo, Colonel Amanda Johnston, Australian HC in Colombo Paul Stephens, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and Chief Hydrographer of SLNHS and Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Kosala Warnakulasooriya

Giving a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s hydrographic capabilities, the government of Australia handed over a state-of-the-art Shallow Water Multi-Beam Echo Sounder to the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) during a ceremony held at SLNS Rangalla today (18 Feb 25). The formal ceremony was held under the auspices of the High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, Paul Stephens and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, marking new chapter in the discipline of hydrography.

The Australian government provided the Sri Lanka Navy with this Multi Beam Echo Sounder to enhance its hydrographic capabilities. This advanced equipment will enable the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) to conduct precise hydrographic surveys, essential for creating nautical and electronic charts for international use. The device will also facilitate the production of high-precision nautical charts, ensuring safer maritime navigation.

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