February 25, Colombo (LNW): The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has voiced serious concern over a recent series of incidents involving the deaths of suspects in police custody and within courtrooms, describing these occurrences as a direct threat to the rule of law in the country.
In a statement issued today, the BASL emphasised the critical need for law enforcement agencies, including the police and prison authorities, to exercise the utmost caution and responsibility to prevent such incidents.
The Association warned that failing to do so would severely undermine public trust in the justice system.
The BASL lamented that similar cases of so-called ‘encounter killings’ have occurred in the past without adequate investigation or accountability, leaving the perpetrators unpunished.
The statement expressed concern that the apparent lack of action has fostered a climate of impunity, raising questions about the effectiveness of the justice system and diminishing the public’s confidence in its integrity.
The BASL stressed that extrajudicial killings cannot be justified as a solution to rising crime rates, highlighting that the best way to combat criminal activity is through strict adherence to the rule of law.
The Association called on the Acting Inspector General of Police to initiate a prompt and impartial investigation into the recent deaths of two individuals in police custody, urging for all necessary measures to be taken to prevent further incidents of custodial deaths or extrajudicial killings.
Such actions, according to the BASL, not only undermine justice but also contribute to a growing sense of injustice among the public, further eroding trust in the country’s legal system.
