Rule of law in Sri Lanka of grave concern

MEDIA RELEASE – For immediate use, 20 November 2013

Rule of law in Sri Lanka of grave concern

The New Zealand Law Society has expressed its grave concern about the situation in Sri Lanka. Law Society President Chris Moore said that just last week there had been a further demonstration of the true state of affairs in Sri Lanka.

“The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute and the Sri Lanka Bar Association were forced to cancel their planned joint conference ahead of the start of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting last week.”

Mr Moore said over 200 lawyers and diplomats were registered to attend the joint conference to discuss the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in the Commonwealth.

The Sri Lankan government revoked visas for speakers going to the meeting. This forced its cancellation.

“The New Zealand Law Society joins the International Bar Association in condemning the continued refusal of the Sri Lankan government to recognise human rights and the rule of law,” Mr Moore said.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, visited Sri Lanka in August 2013 and later expressed her concern at erosion of the rule of law and the lack of explanation for the disappearances of many people.

In January 2013 the Chief Justice was dismissed by the President two days after the Sri Lankan parliament voted to impeach her. There is strong evidence that this was prompted by dissatisfaction with a number of decisions by the Supreme Court.

ENDS

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