19 March, 2024

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BASL Warns ‘Fake News’ Arrest Warning Will Have Chilling Effect On Dissent

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka has reacted strongly to the warning issued by the Police that the circulation of fake news could lead to arrest, saying the prospect of being arrested for harsh criticism and dissent itself can have a “chilling effect” that erodes the citizen’s freedom of speech as guaranteed by the country’s Constitution.

Saliya Pieris PC – President BASL

Issuing a statement on the Government’s alarming decision to arrest those deemed to be spreading “disinformation” on social media without a warrant, the Executive Committee of the BASL said “utmost care and restraint should be exercised in causing the arrest of any person for an offence pertaining to alleged ‘fake news’ prior to a full investigation of any complaint.”

The BASL said it had no objection to enforcing laws relating to hate speech and incitement to violence, it was important to ensure that authorities do not use such laws to stifle genuine expressions of dissent and criticism.

The Statement added that the BASL was apprehensive of members of the executive including the police being allowed to decide on what is or is not fake news and on the basis of their subjective decisions to cause arrests and detention of persons.

The Bar Association also drew attention to several Supreme Court Judgments recently that noted: “The right to support or to criticise governments and political parties, policies and programmes is fundamental to the democratic way of life; …and democracy requires not merely that dissent be tolerated, but that it be encouraged”

The statement comes even as the CID was badly exposed in court following one of the first “fake news” arrests, when the judge reprimanded the police and released the suspect on bail. Rajiv Yasiru Kuruwitage was arrested by the CID without a warrant and charged with hacking crimes under the Computer Crimes Act of 2007, when his “violation” was to post a statement on Facebook. The CID also illegally seized his electronic devices, including a mobile phone and a computer without a warrant, and did not provide a receipt for the equipment.

See full BASL Statement:

STATEMENT BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BAR ASSOCIATION OF SRI LANKA ON THE POLICE MEDIA RELEASE ON CIRCULATION OF FAKE NEWS, PHOTOGRAPHS, VIDEOS CAUSING DISUNITY, HATE AND OBSTRUCTING THE COVID-19 PROGRAMME

The Executive Committee of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) notes with concern the contents of the recent media release issued by the Sri Lanka Police titled “circulation of fake news, photographs, videos causing disunity, hate and obstructing the Covid-19 programme”.

The said circular contains a warning that the Criminal Investigation Department and the Computer Crimes Division of the Sri Lanka Police will be conducting investigations by monitoring the internet for violators, in order to enforce the law. The circular warns the public to refrain from spreading fake news and aiding or abetting the same.

Whilst the BASL has no objection to enforcing laws relating to hate speech and incitement to violence, it is important to ensure that authorities do not use such laws to stifle genuine expressions of dissent and criticism.

Furthermore the BASL is apprehensive of members of the executive including the police being allowed to decide on what is or is not fake news and on the basis of their subjective decisions to cause arrests and detention of persons.

The BASL is deeply concerned that the provisions of the laws mentioned in the circular, could be misused by police officers in order to stifle the freedom of speech and expression which is a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution. At the time where the country remains under travel restrictions as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic it is essential that the freedom of speech and expression of the people and their right to dissent and disagree are protected. The BASL wishes to draw attention to the judgments of the Supreme Court in this regard :-

In the most recent case of U. N. S. P. Kurukulasuriya, Convenor, Free Media Movement, and J. K. W. Jayasekara, V Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation SCFR 556/2008 and 557/2008 decided on 17.02.2021, His Lordship Justice Aluwihare with two other judges of the Supreme Court agreeing has held as follows:

“The judgements of the Supreme Court constitute a body of jurisprudence that has evolved over the years, and the Supreme Court has recognized that the right to comment on public issues and criticize public officials and public institutions is essential for the exercise of civil and political freedoms so valued by democratic society”

The court quoted with approval the following passages found in several decisions of Sri Lankan courts:

“The right to support or to criticise governments and political parties, policies and programmes is fundamental to the democratic way of life; …and democracy requires not merely that dissent be tolerated, but that it be encouraged”

“Criticism of the Government, and of political parties and policies, is per se, a permissible exercise of the freedom of speech and expression under Article14 (1) (a).”

Given that the very prospect of being arrested for expressing harsh criticism or dissent can itself have a chilling effect that would erode the citizens’ freedom to openly share critical views or freely comment on important matters as members/stakeholders of society, utmost care and restraint should be exercised in causing the arrest of any person for an offence pertaining to alleged ‘fake news’ prior to a full investigation of any complaint.

Furthermore, it would be consistent with due respect for democratic values and freedoms, for any decision to arrest without warrant to be resorted to keeping in mind the spirit of preserving fundamental freedoms and the need to avoid suppressing or oppressing the right to free expression of views. In our view this would be better achieved, if any decision to arrest or charge any person is taken only after careful due consideration and professional assessment that there is a real and reasonable prospect of an alleged offence in law being committed, with advice from the Attorney General as may be warranted in the relevant context.

Needless to say, enforcement of the law must be fair, even-handed and non-selective in its application, the importance of which we urge you to consistently uphold.

These concerns of the BASL have been brought to the attention of the Inspector General of Police by letter dated 10/06/2021. The BASL will continue to monitor any violations of the Fundamental Rights and the Rule of Law in respect thereof and will make further legal interventions where necessary.

 

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Latest comments

  • 41
    1

    Our head is iron man he won’t bow down,don’t you guys knows about his capabilities,he killed like a dog…..Thanajudden murder,Shani Abeesekara,intimidated the Swiss embassy worker,his family and himself secured life in US ,give a toss this army deserter,asylum seeker ,

    • 41
      1

      Most of the ‘Fake News’ is spread by Gota and his government ……. is he planning to arrest himself?

      Who decides what is fake? …… The biggest fakes in power?

      Each day, Lanka is the best source of comedy!

      • 22
        0

        How do u define “fake news” ? .
        .
        Was that Nagaya-carried – fake – relics saga not number one fake news? .
        .
        They came to power through fake news, and today they themselves stand against fake news. ” kanna ona unama kabarath thalagoya karana mlechcha Rajapakshes. These men well deserve to be beheaded in an open ceremony if this nation to comfort today. Those 7 millions would definitely feel that they are cheated as no leader did it before. Mlechcha politics at its heights. ☹☹☹☹☹☹☹

        • 7
          3

          Dear LM,
          Why haven’t they arrested Champa and Jambu;)?

          • 15
            1

            Dear Sugandh,
            .
            Answer – their status should be similar to that of Nagaradhipathi of Kurunaagala or anyone of that nature. Wimal Buruwanse should long hav ebeen arrested for all the mess, that would never been the case, since SRILANKA police’ role similar to that of a SERVANT boy/girl of a srilanken middle class family.

            Ajith Rohana may be good at acting winning the hearts and minds of VIEWERs, but he is proved to be BIASED….. and he has been working on the SCRIPT provided to him prior to each and every public discussion. Please watch out !!!!!

          • 5
            1

            Dear Sugandh,
            .
            I have, for a long time, made a study of what Champa says. I don’t like her defence of every Sinhalese soldier (“ranaviruvo”).
            .
            However, apart from that, she’s not “fake”. She seems genuinely shocked at what Gota is doing, and she’s saying it.
            .
            Of course, on myths. she’s crazy, but that’s harmless, isn’t it? I’ve just made a request of Manel Fonseka to take her on.
            .
            https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/sri-lankas-dismal-ignorance-of-the-u-s-system-the-mindset-of-u-s-policymakers/
            .

            I’ve informed Manel – a person whom I’ve never met, and we can’t talk on the phone because she’s deaf. She tries hard to be objective, and doesn’t want her personal details published. Wonderful person.
            .
            I know nothing of Jambu – how to keep track of so many! Sugandh, I know that you and I agree most of the time.

            • 5
              0

              Dear SM,

              Every sinhalese soldier is not a RANAVIRUWO…besides, it is very unfair to call them as such. It is then an insult to real soldiers that lost their lives and body parts by the bullets as SF faced it. ‘

              This is a greater mistake being repeated by SRILANKEN journalists for such a long time now. So called investigative journalists dont bring the basic qualifications to be a journalists, I may say so.

              Sarath Weerasekara was an administrative personnel, but all these men wear the title ” Ranawiruo” in order to fool the easy targets in this country. There they succeeded it well, having gained the highest number of preferential votes.
              :
              Champas are everywhere where Simon and I then lived – Galle area. They dont even let others talk anything else, but remain talking about how MR led leadership liberated the nation.
              :
              Today, the question comes up, if the credit they grabbed by force is reasonable.
              :
              And MaRa s earth kissing saga was also a PR act and by the time, he went on kissing the earth just putting his feet back on BIA ground, the country was not at all liberated from the terror. This I heard being explained by FM Sarath Fonseka not once back and forth.

            • 2
              0

              Dear S_M:

              My comment was tongue-in-cheek for the numerous comments by Champa making various claims that Siddhārtha Gautama was born in SriLanka. From time to time Jambu makes effort here towards the same propaganda. Perhaps it’s all fake news!!!

              My familiarity of their comments on CT is confined to maybe a couple years at most. I have often skipped over much of it. So I am not familiar with Champa’s accolades for and defending of the ranaviruvo.

              My impression is that pluralism is not in Champa’s vocabulary, and consistently drives very much a monoethnoreligious supremacist ideology here, perhaps not outrightly. Champa’s primary concern is that the double-Paksa regime is selling off Buddha’s homeland and destroying Buddhism. No real concern for the plight of democracy or the general welfare of the citizenry.

              So I do think that their persistent propaganda and the underlying motivation are dangerous and insane. I am convinced that Champa is very much the other side of the double-Rajapaksa coin. There aren’t good intentions!

              Your thoughts?

          • 6
            0

            Sugandh,
            .
            Have you got any clue as to why the majority of our people easily emulate the primitive tribes today ?

            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOd_A5XQdEs

            I think this has lot to do with SOUTH ASIAN MENTALITY. Unfortunately 2 billions are caught by the stupid mentality. That is 25% of the global population.

            In India PEOPLE would not question themselves before going to adulate anyone. They just emulate the other… I have got on with indians and I know how they feel about their singers and politicians.
            See how primitive the average turn out to be in India yet today.
            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62UylXUibJs&list=RD62UylXUibJs&index=1

            Good that our stupid people did not put ” MaRa” on a “DOLAWA”… yet today though there are some cases where I read somewhere that some have tatooed his name on the chest… I have no doubt, if it took several more weeks, the name of Dhammika Pani makers would also be branded by srilanken MBBS holders on their chest. …

            • 5
              1

              Great question LM!

              After some thought, it dawned on me that tribalism is a universal human feature; it’s inherent. I am basing my opinion on limited but extremely useful education in physical anthropology.

              Tribalism catered to the concept of survival of the fittest; the drive for territorial domination was to secure and control resources for the advancement of the tribe. That advancement ultimately was reproductive success and passing on of the tribal genes, and ensuring tribal dominance.

              So I do think we are wired for this behaviour from the early evolutionary times.

              Which raises the question how did western societies overcome tribalism better than India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and so on.

              Did the wealth allow the west to advance scientific discovery and innovation, and in turn develop a culture around advanced education and intellectual growth which initially resulted in vast improvement in the quality of life, and then eventually facilitated social progress?…
              This social progress is a relatively new accomplishment. Perhaps the intellectual awakening was that equitable treatment of diverse peoples meant welfare of all peoples and hence collective success.

              Something to further ponder. Thank you LM!

        • 2
          0

          Will this be considered as fake news?

          “Boyie Koluwa Goes to Kaday For The Master”

          “Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila, addressing the criticisms over the recent price hike of fuel, says that all he did was informing the public of a collective decision made by the government including the President and the Prime Minister.”

      • 16
        0

        Nf@
        .
        Country is divided by fake news from the day one of ” we Rajapakshes defeated LTTE terror ” . Now the litmus test results are before the very same nation.
        .
        Remember that MARA’ s floor kissing saga, on his returning from a foreign trip? That was also not the truth but premeditated PR act to mislead the nation
        .
        Please get ur facts on the web😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

        • 6
          0

          Dear LLM; That “Floor Kissing Saga” by MRA. No doubt it was a “PR” project. The funniest thing about it was and is our “Punnakku Drinking” drinking men and women didn’t and to date do not question how the President of a country go on a “Foreign Trip” during the most critical stage and hour of a “War” with the most lethal terrorist outfit in the country. I consider him to be a “Traitor” to the country and the valiant men and women of the armed forces who fought the “War”, sacrificing lives and limbs. In that respect, I “Salute” MY3 who was acting for the Minister of Defense during the last two weeks, when that Minister MR “Scooted” off on a “Foreign Trip”.

          • 6
            0

            Hi Simon,
            Good to hear from you.
            I agree with you and very true, absolutely correct assessment.
            However, I am sure the answer proffered (by Mr’s promoters) would be that, “The people of this country wanted him to be away, to ensure the Patriot that he is, was saved for Posterity, to ensure continued security of the SL – prevent any harm to this Patriot” so that he could look after the millions of the SL citizenry.
            My3 was there for the 2 weeks in 2009, but departed when he should have been in SL in Easter 2019!
            The ‘Weeraya’ of 2009, became a “Puswedilla” in 2019 (10 years later)
            At least MR thought it wise to have an acting Defence Minister during his absence from the country, but not the latter. MY3 had left it to Devine providence and seems to have survived!
            Also if he did not go overseas, the could not have returned to “Kiss the Earth”, of Mother Lanka, which was a significant feature to help the 2010 elections

            • 4
              0

              Mahila: Thanks: “MY3” tried to “Copy” the same trick performed by “MR”, but failed miserably. “Ranil W” allowed the “Easter Massacre” to go through because he wanted the “Pambaya” to fall victim too. But, this “Pambaya” (MY3) knew he had the “Trumps” in his hand and that is why he joined “Pohottuwa” and entered Parliament. These “Games” must be introduced to the world “OLYMPICS” and our “Politicians” are sure to walk away with all the “Gold Medals”.

            • 6
              0

              Mahila,
              as of today, all what we as non-astrologists but predicted are becoming clear about WEERAKETIYE patta pal horu.
              :
              All is fake, if they spread. I hardly believe that it was MR leadership ws instrumental in defeating the LTTE. Had there been NO SF and his forces, nothing would have achieved. They are grabbers of number one nature, would do anything to grab for their side. It is very easy to make a public perception, if one would cunningly apply mlechcha tactics, being close to PINGUTHTHARAYAS (not the real buddhist monks but cheewaradhariyas of Abayarama temple, Alle Gunawansa and Abeythissa mudalali typ… and and.. ) … it is like a poisonous cake would be decorated with nice icing covers….. our people .. not our only, SOUTH ASIAN mentality filled with MITHYAWA – hindu, jathaka story based so called BUDDHAGAMA followers are born gullible people.
              :
              See how they are made to beleive LIGHT reflections fall on to SOMAWATHIYA, as REAL BUDURAES:::: H AHA:::.. what a mind set, that seem no changing at all.. cross section of the society is depicted by SIMON s kadamandiya crowd… regardless of the titles they wear.. among them, MBBS, BSC Eng.. BA Hons … with PG title holders there…
              This is the MIRROR image of SRILANKEN society also as of June 2021.

              Please reveal as much as you guys could do. :::

      • 11
        0

        nimal fernando

        “Most of the ‘Fake News’ is spread by Gota and his government ……. is he planning to arrest himself?”

        Remember, Gota spent nearly a decade in the US. There could be a possibility he might have had chance to meet Trump.

        “Each day, Lanka is the best source of comedy!”

        All right, you have read the typing of EE, Lester, ….. HLD M, ….. Dayan, Fernando, ….

        • 5
          1

          “Remember, Gota spent nearly a decade in the US. There could be a possibility he might have had chance to meet Trump.”

          Trump had about $300 million to pay back on his loans ……. due soon. He pulled the “stolen Election” stunt and collected money from his “supporters” …… almost $250 million!

          But that itself was a fraud ……. in the appeal email that was sent out …… there were 9 boxes to un-tick if you didn’t want to contribute weekly, fortnightly, monthly ……… the supporters/idiots who contributed and didn’t un-tick the boxes, soon found out their bank accounts had been emptied. :))

          Donald Trump or the Rajapakses are not swindling/deceiving you or I ……. they have their bespoke made-to-measure “supporters” for that.

          We should just sit back and enjoy all the fun!

          “Sinhala-Buddhism” is a mental disease ……. it has very little to do with Buddha. ……… likewise, MAGA.

        • 5
          0

          NV,
          .
          Not a decade, but from 1989 to 2005 – almost 15 years.


          We attacked SORYSENA for his puppet show, not knowing that his successor would not fall this deep.
          :
          Today, even POLONNARUWA GHANAKKA confirms, that GOTABAYA is nothing but a born fool.
          .
          Yet today, the term ” HITLER” is muted in some areas of Germany, likewise, in coming days, … the era is opening the term ” RAJAPAKSHES” tobe hated by everyone…. this would be the case sooner than later.
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7DxbCjH1gY
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOd_A5XQdEs

          • 4
            0

            We attacked SORYSENA then for his puppet show, not knowing that his successor would quickly fall this deep.

    • 8
      0

      Cugan,
      .
      if anyone dont yet know – the meaning of HYPOCRITes- please look at DOUBLEPAKSHES and Pohottuwa b sons behaviours. Wiaya maga has turned out to be wiyath balu maga as of today.
      :’
      We should pave the way, SORYSENA to come back….. ha ha…

  • 36
    1

    Sri lanka is a member of the UN and the geneva conventions on human rights.
    Nandasena lived in the USA for many years and the hypocrite is typical of many
    lankans who have lived in the west. They enjoy all the benefits of being a foreign
    minority member over there. But want tribal based dictatorship back in lanka.
    Trying to have their cake and eat it also.

    • 20
      0

      Nandasena lived in US in getto. He didn’t go to that country for further studies or tale part in research. Not 15 months but 15 years he lived there as a political refugee. There are enough reports about his life he spent in USA .
      .
      At the time Sorysena became the president , local media allowed the news that even a ” coconut husk – pol lella” could easily defeat Mahinda Rajapakshe in 2015. Normally human beings learn from their past failures, but going an extra mile to have elected “Gotler” as the next by a 2/3 mandate proved the world that majority of srilankens are stupid as no other like minded nation s. Predatory media fraudsters reap the harvest on the cost vulnerable portion s in the country. Real grievances of the people stay stagnated as garbage dumps. Shameless people and their shameless politicians intertwined with media mafia men. Derana, Hiru and all others make their hay should be banned by a people’s revolution 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

      • 3
        11

        Do you really think nandasena sat behind a counter of a grocery store for 15 years and then walked into the presidency of a nation?
        It does not work like that. Only high ranking freemasons are allowed to become presidents anywhere on earth.

        • 8
          0

          But we talking in a country amateur witch doctor a with their kaliamma controlled mind set could easily twist even CEYLON MBBS holders mind set. Are u aware of the facts about those who consumed the panacea paniya , concoction mixed up by that stupid man and his popularity within the nation an overnight?????😎☹😎☹😎☹😎😎😎😎😎😎we overestimate average mind set of the voters, but 99,9 % of them regardless of uni qualifications are total ignorants, with zero knowledge about vicious Rajapakshe politics ☹☹☹☹☹☹

        • 5
          0

          Dear Humble,
          .
          Are you serious about that “freemason” thing? I don’t think that he’s one, but can check, if you really want me to.
          .
          Freemasonry isn’t as dangerous as many think, and certainly not in Lanka. I was one for six years, then honourably dropped out owing to indifference.
          .
          It’s a bit of a snob thing in Lanka.
          .
          Gota’s performance as President has been abysmal to date. Displays every sign of having been no more than a grocery store employee.

        • 4
          1

          Humble,
          do you really think that GOTLER studied or worked on any research during that long 15 years ?
          .
          Was he ever an invitee by BOSTON or Harward university for any forums ?
          .
          My source say, that his company was filled with RASCALS and pimps of their nature. I will add the links with next comment.

      • 4
        0

        Dear LM,
        .
        Gota didn’t get a 2/3 mandate. He got 52% of valid votes. Too much!
        If we also start calculating it as % of Registered Votes, we’re also misleading other people.
        .
        This is all off-the-cuff. At the Parliamentary Elections, the SLPP may have got 66% of Sinhalese votes (one can get a rough idea by looking at what he polled in “non-minority” Districts, but there surely is no way that we can arrive at a definitive proportion of votes polled.) Some intelligent analysts do a good job, but much of this is speculation.
        .
        I’ve got out of the house a bit these last three days (vaccine, and today my bike’s front suspension): I think that he’s lost a lot of the support he had. And many people driven to absolute poverty – result of the lockdown which we ourselves wanted.

        • 5
          0

          Dear SM,
          You are right. I should have added correct information. But I was aware of the facts regarding PE results, but what I meant his govt got 2/3 majority in the parliament.

          No wonder, even dogs and cats would join next days to real street protests.
          :
          Did you listen to what Sepal added today ?
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Eua4iovWxs
          I did not like SA and Sudda at the begining, but it seems that they have changed their affinity to POHOTTUWA

          Lockdown was a must, but GOSL was not serious with that. France and Germany held it to their best.

  • 21
    1

    Groundwork for further arrests, intimidation, and the jailing of activists, political opponents, media, and anyone who brings their crimes to the limelight.
    Also for anyone who dares to look at their women.

  • 23
    4

    “fake” bookshelf behind him?
    does he really read all the books nicely arranged on the bookshelf ….is this a “fake” image to fool the people?

    • 8
      1

      Whatever innuendo or aspersions cast on the messenger detracts the value of the message . The message is clear and topical and commended when in the past, the BASL went along with the powers that were.

    • 11
      1

      Dear Rajash,


      a very good observation. These men behave as if they never completed a KINDERGARTEN.

      So what about books in their shelves ?

      Pawithara has become APAWITHRA – similar to the dirts of BEREWEWA….. she is proto type for SRILANKEN stupid women. No wonder the kind of women get caught as SEX objects in MIDDLE east house holds.
      :

    • 3
      1

      Presume you are referring to Saliya Pieris PC.

      • 5
        0

        No the pic on the display Gotler with book shelves

    • 10
      0

      Dear Rajash
      Regret my comments not applicable as I misunderstood the context because I missed that picture of someone posing off to show he is erudite in the title page. I read only from the downloaded article and Saliya Pieris PC with his Law books behind him.
      On reverting to the CT main page, I found the mistake. My apologies.

      • 3
        0

        Dear MyView no apologies required. I agree it was confusing as there are two photos in two different places.

    • 3
      0

      Rajash@
      He doesn’t seem to have read his own manifesto, not a single pledge is yet fulfilled.
      Nor has he any knowledge to comprehend the Gazettes being issued by cabinet today. Alone price hikes in oil of today is the best example to see he is nothing but a president on the paper 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

    • 0
      0

      Rajash,
      .
      These are well planned… and tricks of Rajapakshes. How long they can fool the very same nation is the million dollar question.
      .
      A man who does not seem to have the commonsense about the level of anxities that the people in this country go through today… but to pretend him to be a well read person ?
      My foot !

  • 8
    0

    The intervention of the BASL, is mild and well-tempered, in keeping with the professional dignity it must uphold. Fake news is a public menace, but it is easily abused. The real issue is the arrest and remanding accused for no real reason and that is outrageous and a flagrant abuse of liberty. One may say that this happens all the time and that those who make a noise do so because of the personalities involved in the recent episode involving Kuruwitage. Kuruwitage or not, the liberty and freedom of individuals is paramount unless it is for the public good and be so, within the limits of the law. Here, like some cases, the real reason for arrest is flimsy. In other cases, involving the lesser mortals, the flimsiness is not seen, as a remand order is made at once. The era of “Oowa allala dapan lakup eke” for nothing should end. In the event of such an order the small man must tell the high and mighty what grounds should be made use of? The establishment of the rule of law is not a top-down exercise but bottoms up as well like the lady forest officer of Gampaha.

  • 5
    1

    Rajash, Be Fair.He may be trying to understand what is in those books

  • 11
    1

    Nandasena the war criminal and a thief is the curse of the country.

    • 7
      0

      Dilshan

      “Nandasena the war criminal and a thief is the curse of the country.”

      I am sorry it is not just the clean which is the curse but 21 Million others who tolerate such people and vote them to abuse power. These war criminals and thiefs would not survive if all 21 million are honest, clean and genuine.

      They benefit from these crooks or hope to benefit from them therefore they are supporting all kind of irrational claims and based on lies, made by the crooks.

  • 21
    2

    Rajash Very true, this is a comic country, a man who is sitting in front of a book shelf ,books he has never read or even if he tries to read, will never understand.

    On the other hand, we brown skinned men from a former colony wearing wigs made of horse hair to show they are learned in the law ! Just aping their former masters !

    They also show what they want to be in their innermost soul-Lords ! Yes just like those old British Lords, we also call certain judges Lords ! In US, Germany Israel, normal countries with no hang-ups they are just called Judge .

    Here is this small colony we call these chaps only newly introduced to Western culture – Lords ! Yes, just like in England we have Lords but the English of our Lords is rather poor!
    That is the truth.
    Nobody wants to say it , because that may be considered contempt of court by the Lords !

    • 7
      0

      Dear DS.
      In saying : ….a man who is sitting in front of a book shelf ,books he has never read or even if he tries to read, will never understand….
      You have converted the doubt ( question marks ) expressed by Rajash, and which may have been flipppancy, into a fact. Not quite fair. Most Lawyers books are of NLRs and of other cases of litigation in the past which could be relevant in a case. It is like a set of encylopedias, no one crams them, but only refers as necessary. They cannot be judged by a layman’s library which are mostly books for reading pleasure.
      So let us be gracious to someone who tries to get a worthwhile message to an autocratic government of behalf of the community.

      • 4
        0

        in This time of pandemic politicians all over the world appear in TV programmes and interview from home and they mainly choose bookshelf as a backdrop to project an intellectual image, in one instance in the US a Pro trump Governor was standing in front of a curtain in the pattern of book shelf unfortunately it was crinkling on live TV,.

        I take your point of law books that are case references

        But Gota and book shelf don’t go together study the picture closely he doesn’t gel in with the background.

        This is a kind of fake propaganda to fool the people should be covered under the fake news act as well

        • 7
          0

          Dear Rajash.
          My regrets again – I agree “But Gota and book shelf don’t go together”.
          I thought you referred to Saliya Pieris.

          • 1
            0

            MyView – no worries take it easy

          • 4
            0

            My view @
            Very correct
            GOTA and extra judicial killings is btw the best match
            .
            And murders of Lasantha, Thadjudeen or the like highly MISTERIOUS sort and its design, 😎😎😎😎😎😎

      • 5
        0

        Dear DS
        Regret my comments not applicable as I misunderstood the context because I missed that picture of someone posing off to show he is erudite in the title page. I read only from the downloaded article and Saliya Pieris PC with his Law books behind him.
        On reverting to the CT main page, I found the mistake. My apologies.

    • 3
      0

      Dear DS
      Regret my comments not applicable as I misunderstood the context because I missed that picture of someone posing off to show he is erudite in the title page. I read only from the downloaded article and Saliya Pieris PC with his Law books behind him.
      On reverting to the CT main page, I found the mistake. My apologies.

  • 5
    1

    I am so happy that this is their last lap of ruining this country and that “Whom the gods would destroy, they first make made” is coming to pass.

  • 12
    1

    Who would have thought Rajapaksas will deliver what they promised o those 7 million Pseudos within a year. 1) Low and Odor 2)Sovereign leader with ultimate powers. 3) Splendour Bankrupt nation.

  • 6
    1

    Whose books are those behind Gota? Does he read? Or just a decoration?

    • 1
      0

      See my comments and reactions to my comment above

    • 9
      0

      BL,
      Hitler also did not read, but displayed a set of books to show that he would have been intelligent.
      :
      Likewise, Rajapakshes paint the pictures to be educated (well cultured) but their silly behhaviouus are not overlooked by the average today. Let alone today, people seem to be awakening.

    • 3
      1

      He is Dr Nandasena.Gotabaya Rajapaksha all those are collection,this.is the same as put Pirith nool

  • 6
    1

    Definition for fake news depends on people in power. Any one is threat to the Rajapaksa power or any one thinks that China use debt wrap to rule Sri Lanka after Rajapaksas are fake news.

    • 5
      4

      “China use debt wrap”
      A, I like the term “debt wrap”.

      • 4
        1

        SJ, I like not the term “debt wrap” but “China wrap”

        • 1
          1

          A
          You resent your own terminology!
          Poor you.

  • 1
    6

    BASL is not the parliment or the supreme court. They are not elected by people. They are just a trade union. A trade union for lawyers. It’s better they call them that way.

    • 3
      1

      A2.0
      Did the BASL ever claim to be anything that you say they are not?
      BASL is not yet the monopoly of any specific party; and elections are hotly contested.
      There is much to desire from it, but it is not rotten.

  • 4
    0

    A “Cabinet Paper” to import vehicles to MPs was submitted for approval by the Prime Minister on “May 18. 2012”. But prior to this “Cabinet Paper” Letters of Credit (Irrevocable) for the importation of vehicles mentioned in the same “Cabinet Paper” have already been “ESTABLISHED” by Bank Of Ceylon on “April 22, 2021”. So the question arises: The Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapakse has, in writing, uttered a “FALSEHOOD” and “MISLED” the entire Cabinet.

    Now, why not ARREST the Prime Minister for uttering a “FALSEHOOD” in a Cabinet Paper?

    Next the “6,9 million” voters must immediately “REFER” to the “Election Manifesto” of “Pohottuwa”- “Soubagaye Dekama” (Vista of Prosperity) wherein it was stated: “ONE LAW ONE COUNTRY”. It is time to “DEMAND” the “ARREST” of the Prime Minister, who “Wilfully Uttered a Falsehood” and “Misled” the Cabinet. That is also actionable as a “FRAUD”.

    • 1
      0

      Bro Simon,
      .
      PUBLIC perception has been made MR to allow any high crimes. I ll bet, even if MR would rape a woman in public, abusive people would find a nice story to defend him. Unfortunately, this is the saddest reality about the contioned mindset of those MR-sympathisers. … this is no doubt pathological…
      :
      Punnaku drinkers dominated island nation would not question themseleves why they have to adulate MR further… just because MR s term claimed so called ” war victory”:
      .
      Now it is revealing they dont know what happened to the billions of profits made by Petrolieum co.. while the world market enjoyed huge price reductions until lately.

  • 1
    0

    Which way to Sri Lanka is going …
    Covid 19 came with a Chinese tourist
With blessings from Politicians.
    It came to make the county poor
Also to support corruption
    Creating Confusion in Health ministry
Who is in charge Army or Health Professionals?
    Statistics of affected people and deaths
Distorted to cover up the inefficiency.
    Partiality showed in Treating infected people
With a policy of ethnic bias.
    Ruhuna political family rule,
Acquired power that deceiving people.
    Saying that the new stanza is Buddham Saranam Kachami
Chanted and fell at monks’ feet.
    My brother is the hero who destroyed the Tigers
No matter what comes he will use Magic word PTA
    Easter attack a staged Political drama,
To use the word Terrorism to come to power.
    My brother is the HERO to win terrorism
The country needs him through your vote,
.
He is the ideal leader for our island
People Cheered him like Gemunu for his victory. .
    Gradually the army infiltrated,
Positions are all in their hands.
    Long-running administrative service,
The slime is gone with the arrival of Gotha.
    The beginning of the political revenge,
Many were arrested through false charges
    The courts are in Presidents hands
Dare not challenge the Judgment
    Like Thanjavur dolls shaking their heads
Some Tamil MPs dance to the beat for the money
    To amend the country’s charter,
Some of the hypocrites voted for cash.

  • 1
    0

    Statements of ‘concern’ are not enough. BASL should get their members to abide by their professional code of conduct to ensure law & order & justice prevails. The increasing number of bum sucking members of judiciary is an indication that the BASL has no clout. If the BASL is really concerned, start cracking the whip (if there is one) now with a campaign for fair judgement on Shani, Hijaz & such others instead of letting them rot in remand. No democratic country keeps those accused indefinitely locked up.

    In the recent case of Rajiv Kuruwitage, the fact that the prison authorities are able to defy a court order on the grounds of a health issue, which should be a matter for the health authorities, is an indication of a toothless BASL.

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