March 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s gem industry is striving to achieve an ambitious export target of $2 billion by 2025, seeking international collaborations to boost exports, tourism, and digital trade.
In this effort, Israel has emerged as a key partner, offering opportunities for Sri Lankan gem traders to integrate into its well-established diamond industry.
However, while this partnership presents promising prospects, concerns over corruption within Sri Lanka’s National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) cast a shadow over the industry’s future.
Sri Lanka’s coloured gem sector, particularly known for its Ceylon sapphires in shades of teal, pink, and blue, is gaining global recognition.
As part of its expansion strategy, local traders are being encouraged to explore new territories and markets.
However, amid these developments, Industries Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara has voiced strong criticism of the NGJA, claiming that the institution has done more harm than good.
During a Committee on Public Enterprises (CoPE) inquiry, Jayasundara openly denounced the NGJA as a “system of scams,” arguing that the industry would have thrived better without it.
Drawing a comparison with Sri Lanka’s apparel industry—its leading export sector—she noted that the absence of a flawed regulatory framework allowed that industry to flourish, unlike the gem trade, which remains mired in inefficiencies and corruption.
One of the major concerns raised during the inquiry was the role of the NGJA in enabling money laundering.
Officials claimed that systemic corruption within the authority has persisted for years, with over 7,000 licenses issued annually yet failing to generate sufficient revenue for the sector’s sustainability.
Despite needing at least $2 billion in annual exports to break even, Sri Lanka’s total gem, diamond, and jewellery export revenue for 2024 was just $282.07 million—far below expectations.
The inquiry further revealed that NGJA officers frequently undervalue gems, reducing their reported worth from Rs. 600-700 million to a mere Rs. 1 million.
This underreporting not only results in significant financial losses but also opens the door to widespread misuse of the industry. Calls for urgent reforms within the NGJA have intensified as a result.
Amidst this backdrop of controversy, Israel has extended an invitation to Sri Lankan gem and jewellery traders to collaborate with its diamond industry.
The Israel Diamond Exchange Ltd. President, Nissim Zuaretz, proposed this partnership during a meeting with Sri Lankan Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara. The goal is to combine Sri Lanka’s expertise in gem cutting and jewellery production with Israel’s dominant position in the diamond trade to enhance global demand.
In response, Sri Lanka’s embassy in Tel Aviv has agreed to facilitate a visit for local gem and jewellery entrepreneurs to Israel.
This initiative, coordinated with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and international exporters, aims to explore new business opportunities.
During discussions, Sri Lanka’s historical contributions to the gem and jewellery industry were highlighted, along with potential future collaborations between the two nations.
Zuaretz also emphasized the vast international business network of the Israel Diamond Exchange and explained its global operations. Ambassador Bandara, in turn, requested Israel’s assistance in establishing a business centre within the Colombo Port City project to strengthen trade links with South and Southeast Asian markets.
While the partnership between Israel and Sri Lanka’s gem industry appears promising, the unresolved issues within the NGJA raise concerns about transparency and fair trade. The success of this collaboration will depend not only on external support but also on addressing the deep-seated corruption that continues to hinder Sri Lanka’s gemstone trade.
March 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s public procurement framework based on guidelines issued in 2006/7 is undergoing a major transformation with further upgrading of e-procurement system currently in operation since 2019, public finance department sources said.
Although e- government procurement system is being operated, it has not yet fully digitised the current process vulnerable to malpractices because it is very difficult to monitor transactions, a high official of the finance ministry said.
.A seven member high official team visited Bangladesh this week to gain in-depth technical and practical knowledge on Bangladesh authority’s successful implementation of e-GP, he revealed.
Dohatec New Media is the lead consultant for the operation and management of the e-GP system, along with Beximco IT Division and GSS Infotech Ltd in Bangladesh.
The Sri Lankan Team has undergone comprehensive study on Data Center Management and e-GP System Security, new technology adoption in e-GP, e-GP System Operation and Management, and overview of e-GP in Bangladesh.
Dohatec New Media experts presented a detailed description on the practical aspects of e-GP to the Sri Lankan official team during their three day study tour of Bangladesh concluded on Wednesday 04. .
They also visited the local government engineering office to gain practical insights into e-GP implementation. The World Bank has been assisting Bangladesh in the implementation of the e-GP system.
The Sri Lankan team comprised officials from the e-GP Secretariat, the National Procurement Commission, the Department of Information Technology Management and the Department of Public Finance.
The Department of Public Finance has expedited the public procurement framework transformation process in view of the introducing of a new Public Procurement Law in December 2024.
A regulatory body will be established under the new law with necessary authority and competency for the modernisation of the legal framework, public finance department high official disclosed.
The country currently lacks a formal legislative basis for procurement. All government procurement are being carried out in accordance with Cabinet approved guidelines.
The Procurement Guidelines 2006, sets out various procurement methods, bidding procedures, and rules for awarding contracts.
The proposed law is aimed at enhancing the effectiveness, efficiency and transparency in the public procurement system he said.
This will be a fulfillment of International Monetary Fund conditions under its public reforms and management of public resources.
The government authorities recognise that public procurement remains an area of governance weakness, with associated corruption vulnerabilities, despite attempts to improve its effectiveness.
The reports of the Finance Ministry, the Auditor-General’s Department, and the Department of Management of Audit have indicated procurement malpractices and corruption that have led to inefficiencies and waste of scarce state resources.
March 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s aviation industry continues to break barriers with increasing female participation, as demonstrated by SriLankan Airlines’ recent milestone. In a remarkable display of skill and leadership, an all-female flight crew operated Flight UL 404 to Bangkok, highlighting the airline’s commitment to gender equality in aviation.
On March 8, in celebration of International Women’s Day, SriLankan Airlines operated Flight UL 404 from Colombo to Bangkok with an all-female crew, marking a significant achievement in the airline’s efforts to empower women in aviation.
The eight-member team, led by Captain Madini Wijesinghe, successfully flew 130 passengers from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Thailand.
They then completed the return journey to Colombo on the same day, reinforcing the airline’s dedication to fostering female leadership in traditionally male-dominated roles.
This special flight was not only a tribute to International Women’s Day but also an affirmation of the professionalism and expertise of SriLankan Airlines’ female crew members.
The team’s presence in key operational roles—from the cockpit to the cabin—symbolized the airline’s steadfast commitment to promoting gender inclusivity and advancing female talent within the aviation sector.
Captain Wijesinghe, an experienced pilot with 17 years in the field, expressed her pride in leading an all-female crew. “It is an incredible honor to command this flight alongside such a skilled and dedicated team. This journey is a testament to the capabilities of women in aviation, and I hope it inspires more women to pursue careers in this field,” she stated.
Her colleague, First Officer Ayodya Ranasinghe, who has nine years of experience, echoed similar sentiments. While honored to be part of the flight, she emphasized that every flight presents unique challenges and experiences, irrespective of the occasion. “Each flight is different, whether in terms of aircraft, weather conditions, or crew dynamics. The job remains the same—ensuring a safe and efficient journey,” she noted.
Captain Wijesinghe’s journey with SriLankan Airlines began as a cadet pilot at the age of 21. Over the years, she has accumulated over 11,000 flying hours and was gradually promoted to First Officer before taking on the role of Captain. Reflecting on her career, she fondly recalled key milestones, including her first flight to Tiruchirappalli in 2009, her inaugural flight as Captain to the Gallan Islands, and a memorable flight with her pilot husband to the same destination two years ago.
SriLankan Airlines has long been at the forefront of championing gender equality in aviation, offering numerous opportunities for women to excel in various roles. The airline’s Manager of Corporate Communications, Deepal Perera, emphasized the significance of this flight. “Today’s achievement is a reflection of the talent, dedication, and strength of our female workforce. It is a proud moment for SriLankan Airlines and a powerful statement on gender equality in the aviation industry,” he said.
While International Women’s Day serves as a moment to highlight women’s contributions, many believe that recognition should extend beyond just a single day. Gender equality should be a continuous commitment, ensuring that women’s achievements and capabilities are celebrated daily. As Captain Wijesinghe aptly put it, “This job doesn’t recognize gender—it values skill, dedication, and responsibility.”
With initiatives like this, SriLankan Airlines continues to pave the way for women in aviation, proving that the sky is not the limit but just the beginning for aspiring female aviators.
March 11, Colombo (LNW): Following failure to comply with a summon to produce a statement before the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) over the alleged torturing of a minor, a tutor is sought for immediate arrest, the Authority said.
The suspect, Yoshitha Hettiarachchi, is seen allegedly torturing a minor in a video surfaced online sparking controversy, and was summoned to the NCPA to produce a statement.
However, his failure to appear prompted the Authority to arrest him. The Police are currently acting in making an arrest.
Hettiarachchi, a die hard NPP backer in his social appearance, is seen publicly advocating for the Ruling Party on his social media platforms.
March 11, Colombo (LNW): An open arrest warrant has been issued for former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Deshabandu Tennakoon, by the Matara Magistrate’s Court, following a request from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The warrant is related to an ongoing investigation into a deadly shooting incident that took place in the Pelena area of Weligama on December 31, 2023.
The CID informed the Matara Magistrate’s Court today that ten locations across Sri Lanka had been raided in an attempt to locate Tennakoon, with intelligence officers dispatched to an additional eighteen sites in the effort to capture him.
Despite these efforts, the former IGP remains elusive, and his whereabouts are currently unknown.
In response to the arrest warrant, Tennakoon, through his legal team, filed a writ petition with the Court of Appeal on March 10.
The petition seeks to prevent his arrest by requesting an interim injunction to stay the warrant issued against him. The court is expected to hear the petition in due course.
The warrant was issued after an investigation into the shooting incident, which occurred when a team from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) travelled to Weligama to arrest individuals connected to the notorious underworld figure Nadun Chinthaka Wickremeratne, also known as ‘Harak Kata’.
While attempting the arrest on December 31, the CCD officers, who were in plain clothes, came under fire from within the W15 Hotel in Weligama. This prompted them to return fire in self-defence.
A police vehicle from the Weligama Police Station then mistakenly opened fire on the CCD van, believing it was transporting criminals.
The confusion led to the van fleeing the scene, and in the chaos, two CCD officers were injured. One of the officers, Police Sergeant Upul Chaminda Kumara, tragically died from his injuries after being rushed to the hospital.
Following the incident, an inquest was launched by the Matara Chief Magistrate’s Court, with the CID instructed to arrest and present eight individuals, including former IGP Tennakoon, to face further legal proceedings.
Authorities have warned that anyone found aiding Tennakoon in evading arrest will face legal consequences under Article 209 of the Penal Code.
March 11, Colombo (LNW): An alleged rape of a lady doctor at Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital has ignited widespread outrage across Sri Lanka, prompting a strike by doctors and fierce debate in Parliament.
The shocking incident took place on Monday (10) night within the doctors’ quarters, where the victim was reportedly en route to her on-call duty room.
The suspect, identified as an army deserter by Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala, allegedly threatened the doctor with a knife before assaulting her inside her duty room.
Addressing Parliament today (11), Minister Wijepala revealed that five police teams have been mobilised to hunt down and apprehend the perpetrator, who remains at large.
The attack, described as unprecedented in recent times within a hospital setting, has led to doctors at the facility downing tools, demanding swift justice for their colleague.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa condemned the incident in a passionate parliamentary speech, highlighting the vulnerability of female doctors in public hospitals and questioning the safety of those in public service.
He urged the government to act decisively, pledging the opposition’s support for tougher legislation to punish such “barbaric acts” with severity.
Meanwhile, Health and Media Minister Nalinda Jayathissa issued a statement appealing to all media outlets to protect the victim’s privacy and refrain from revealing her identity, stressing the importance of sensitivity in covering the case.
As the police investigation continues, pressure is mounting on authorities to deliver justice amid a growing national outcry over the brutal assault at one of Sri Lanka’s prominent state hospitals.
March 11, Colombo (LNW): Three new justices were officially sworn into the Court of Appeal today (11).
The ceremony took place at the Presidential Secretariat, where President Anura Kumara Dissanayake administered the oaths to the newly appointed judges.
The three appointees are High Court Judges W.K.S.U. Premachandra, K. Priyantha Fernando, and A. Premashankar, who have each been elevated to the Court of Appeal in recognition of their exemplary service and legal expertise.
The event was attended by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, the Secretary to the President, who was present to witness the formal proceedings.
The new justices are expected to bring their extensive experience to the appellate court, contributing to the efficient administration of justice in Sri Lanka.
March 09, Colombo (LNW): The provincial unions refused to attend the meeting called by the Director General of Sports, boycotting it in protest against his decision to delay the elections based on a letter from Asian Rugby, rather than complying with the ruling of the country’s courts. Later, when a meeting was called again on March 6th, saying that the Minister of Sports would also participate, the participation of some of the provincial unions that had attended on the first day had also decreased, and only one of the unions that had attended had participated.
Organizations such as Asia Rugby, World Rugby, and others are currently working to bring together officials from the Ministry of Sports and politicians to amend the constitution, create a ‘monster,’ and shift power to the ‘A’ sports clubs, effectively placing the entire administrative structure of rugby under the control of an elite class. Therefore, despite lacking constitutional authority, the Director General of Sports initiated a trend of inviting ‘A’ sports clubs to these discussions. These clubs were also called to meet the current Minister, who is following in the footsteps of previous sports ministers.
The Minister indirectly raised objections to the boycotting provincial unions, stating that his government holds two-thirds power and will utilize it to amend the existing constitution as per the requirements of the Asia Rugby and the World Rugby. Some members of the ‘A’ sports clubs have also expressed their disappointment that the Minister failed to acknowledge in his remarks that he was appointed by the people to serve a government that makes decisions in their interest, not to act as a puppet dancing to the tunes of Asia Rugby and World Rugby.
According to the existing constitution, the chairman of Sri Lanka Rugby has always been a member of the ‘A’ clubs, except for one instance. This has taken place with the consent of the ‘A’ clubs representing the provincial unions, as well as all clubs at lower levels.
When a president from outside the sports clubs came in, instead of the rugby democracy they enjoyed, politicians, certain officials from rugby itself, and some people from the Sports Ministry joined forces to steal the sponsorship that Sri Lanka Rugby had and use it to sponsor Asian-level matches. After that, the president who was appointed single-handedly found funds from his own money and through sponsors and pushed rugby forward. There, no attempts were made to forcibly include members of small sports clubs from provincial unions in the national team. Instead, while ensuring high-level competitions for these clubs, efforts were focused on selecting and preparing the best team to represent the Commonwealth Games through alternative training processes conducted by the ‘A’ sports clubs.
After the minister’s speech, these issues previously overlooked by the sports clubs for their own interests became a topic of discussion among them. Many have expressed concern over the minister’s hints at using political power, even while a case remains pending in court. This has led to growing suspicion about the increasing politicization of the sport, to the point where even legal action seems ineffective. As a result, many within the sports clubs have been left disappointed in themselves.
It has also been observed that the efforts of small provincial sports clubs in nurturing talented students after they leave school—until they reach the ‘A’ sports clubs—could present a challenge to the overall development of rugby in the country, as highlighted by our website.
Many individuals involved in sports, as well as those active in sports clubs, have begun speaking out about the minister’s actions and the constitution being forcibly amended. Viewing the situation from a new perspective, they have come to recognize the serious risks it poses. Additionally, the Minister stated in front of journalists that he knows exactly what needs to be done and dismissed media criticism as irrelevant. This is why he continues to act as he pleases, despite historical data and evidence identifying those responsible for past issues. When the need arose to punish officials accountable for imposing a £50,000 fine on Sri Lanka Rugby, the Chief Executive Officer linked to that administration was instead appointed as the Chairman of the National Sports Council. Despite not only us but even the government-affiliated Silumina newspaper highlighting the flaws in these appointments, the Minister remains unwavering in his decisions, without any hesitation.
He has failed to realize that the position of Chairman of the National Sports Council is not suitable for him and that appointing him as its Chief Executive at a time when Sri Lankan rugby is facing its most tragic moment in history is a matter of professional integrity. Not only Priyantha, but the majority of positions in the National Sports Council related to rugby should be filled by individuals who have played the sport with true dedication and embody the spirit of rugby, rather than by someone who merely played for personal enjoyment and has contributed to its downfall.
We have previously gathered from his own remarks the perspective that his advisors have instilled in him regarding the history, present state, and international standing of Sri Lankan rugby. One key reason for the lack of significant progress in rugby’s expansion is the decision to cover fines incurred during Priyantha Ekanayake’s tenure as Executive Director using international aid meant for rugby development. While the Minister initially attempted to express deep shock over this revelation, he has now fallen silent, as the relevant documents have surfaced clearly bearing Priyantha Ekanayake’s name. Moreover, former President Asanga Seneviratne, who had a lengthy discussion with David Carrigy agreeing to deduct that aid money from the funds allocated for Sri Lanka’s rugby development has now secured a position in the Asian Federation through his close ties with its president. Meanwhile, Carrigy, now a key official in the international federation, is working alongside Asia Rugby to exert pressure on Sri Lanka to amend its constitution.
Despite having all this evidence in hand, the Minister continues to speak about Asia and the international arena. Using the two-thirds state power his government holds, he is attempting to preserve control over Sri Lankan rugby in line with the interests of the very group that made an administrative decision compromising the country’s reputation—ultimately to position Namal Rajapaksa as an internationally successful leader.
The election is not being held to bring in a group that will resolve matters with the international community but rather to use the political power granted by the people to control Sri Lankan rugby according to the agenda of a certain unholy faction. The Director General of Sports, who appears to be at the forefront, is misleading the Minister by placing responsibilities on others without hesitation. However, behind the scenes, it is becoming increasingly clear that he is merely an obedient servant of the politician. While he may not seem like a politician due to how quickly he submits, ignoring the controversy surrounding him, the politician’s desire is clearly evident because the Minister sometimes shakes his tail even more than the person who is responsible.
When examining the committee appointed to manage the opportunity for a Sri Lankan rugby team, comprising players weighing less than 85 kilograms, to tour New Zealand until a Rugby Council is established, it is hard to believe that this decision was made solely with the blessing of the Director General of Sports. The Director General has stated that the decision by Minister Harin Fernando to dissolve the existing administration and appoint its chairman as a facilitator—on the grounds that it was not functioning in a timely manner—was not made in the interest of the Director General of Sports, but rather to serve the interests of the Minister and World Rugby. The current Minister is making the same mistake. When the person who was removed for failing to fulfill their responsibilities was given a position from a country without a proper rugby administration, the Asia Rugby President assigned him an Asian responsibility as part of his friendly alliance.
This individual has now been added to Asian Rugby, and he is also the secretary of the administration involved in the £50,000 incident.
In addition to Nalin, the appointment of Rohan Abeykoon as a member of the National Sports Council, as per the Sports Act, has also been challenged due to his involvement in sports-related business activities. However, with the Minister’s two-thirds power, he is ready to work even if it means giving power to the elite sports clubs that are enjoying the tax breaks from the Colombo 7 government. The identity of the vision that the minister is politically manifesting should be questioned by his own conscience.
Along with Nalin and Rohan, the other person given authority over the New Zealand operation is Inthishan Marikkar. Consulting the advisory council, which has a rugby majority, to seek advice and a proper understanding of how he was removed from rugby responsibilities is futile, as the minister remains unwavering in his decision to proceed despite the allegations against them.
To take history to the next level and take Sri Lanka Rugby back to the top, the Minister could work closely with the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, the Deputy Minister, to discuss reviving a club like Thalduwa, which has a golden memory in rugby history, because Eranga Gunasekara’s roots are strongly linked to the Avissawella area.
But now, there are efforts to block rugby from reaching Avissawella in the Colombo district. Rugby should not be introduced to Olcott College in Galle, where the Minister visited. As stated earlier, it is enough for the people of Thambuttegama to be entertained by those from the Rajapaksa and Malik Samarawickrama circles, while listening to rugby stories in restaurants owned by Colombo Rugby Clubs.
It would be enough if the elite class, seeking a change of life in places like the Ego Paradise near Kataragama—a beautiful tourist destination that is still inaccessible—were to inherit the joy and happiness of the seven sports clubs in Colombo, sharing that joy with the village people under this system. If the opportunity for village boys and girls to get involved in rugby by empowering play areas like rugby is not considered a criminal space, then what the Minister should do is enforce the law against those who have committed crimes against rugby. Informing the International Federation that the constitution will be drafted in consultation with the administration appointed in accordance with the existing constitution and clarifying the Ministry’s role as a facilitator in this process.
If there is no pride that can overcome the feeling that it is not the Minister’s role to implement an idea that did not initially arise regarding that situation, and was later received from elsewhere, then, due to this two-thirds power, the day will come when the rugby ball will be in the hands of the boys who actually play in the paddy fields, where the villagers view the game of rugby as magic, instead of being confined to the television screen.
Bodies accustomed to enduring the rubber ball that bends to their bodies will run and run with the rugby ball, jumping and running from the fields of the fields. Along with the golden memories of Sri Lankan rugby history, like Lindula and Uva, the genetic rugby ingrained within will be rediscovered in the bodies of people like Ambiga, who run gracefully from the heart of the village, beneath the tea bushes, bending their arms in motion.
Minister, do not let Colombo 7 block the way for village boys and girls to get closer to rugby. One of the reasons these sports clubs are famous is the large amounts of money they possess, the elite membership they hold, and the tax breaks they receive from the government. But look at women’s rugby for a moment. Players are emerging from underprivileged schools, from Colombo to Borella, Wanathamulla, and Seevali. People without money should not surrender two-thirds of a people’s mandate, which gave them meaning in life, to the illusion created by money. Rugby is the strength of the oppressed people to rise up.
It would be important to examine the story of the current world champion South African rugby team from its origins to the present. The birthplace of its excellence lies within South African politics. If you have a spare moment, show not only your rugby mentors but the entire National Sports Council the true story of how Nelson Mandela turned rugby into a passionate force for the people of the world, ultimately leading South Africa to win the rugby World Cup. Then, to some extent, one will feel the loss of Mandela’s hometown without ever going to South Africa.
At the end of the film, if the Minister of Culture, Comrade Hiniduma Sunil, or Comrade Chulananda Samaranayake, could be called to give a critical speech on the film, that would also be important.
March 11, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet has decided to present the long-awaited Batalanda Commission report in Parliament within the coming days, confirmed Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.
Speaking at the post-Cabinet media briefing, Minister Jayatissa outlined that the matter was thoroughly discussed during the Cabinet meeting, which was chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Monday.
Minister Jayatissa elaborated that the next steps regarding the report would be determined after its presentation to Parliament.
He further explained that once a Commission report with recommendations is tabled, it is standard procedure to seek the Attorney General’s guidance on the appropriate course of action.
However, he emphasised that this could only occur once the report has been formally presented to Parliament.
“The Batalanda Commission report will be tabled in Parliament this week, and following that, we will engage in discussions regarding the next steps,” he said.
The Batalanda report has once again come into the spotlight after former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was questioned about it during a recent interview with the international news outlet Al Jazeera.
The Batalanda Report refers to an investigative document published in 1997 that detailed human rights violations, including illegal detention, torture, and abuse, which occurred in a state-sanctioned detention centre known as Batalanda during the late 1980s.
March 11, Colombo (LNW): The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has issued notices to former President Maithripala Sirisena, demanding that he explain why he has not yet paid the compensation ordered for the victims of the Royal Park murder case.
The compensation, amounting to Rs. 1 million, was awarded by the Court last year.
President’s Counsel Sanjeeva Jayawardena, representing the petitioner, informed the Court that Sirisena had failed to comply with the Supreme Court’s directive to pay the compensation, a matter which had been brought before the bench for clarification.
A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, consisting of Justices S. Thurairaja, Yasantha Kodagoda, and Janak de Silva, heard the case and issued a show-cause notice to the former President.
Sirisena has been asked to appear before the Court on April 29 to provide an explanation for his non-compliance.
When the case was called for mention, it was noted that the former President was absent from proceedings and had not been represented by any legal counsel.
President’s Counsel Jayawardena, alongside Counsel Rukshan Senadheera, appeared for the petitioner, while Saliya Peiris, President’s Counsel, represented the Bar Association of Sri Lanka.
