BASL meets PM over SoFA

• Told no SOFA signed, BASL to make recommendations on Land Bill 

A delegation of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) met with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday to discuss the Status of Forces Agreement (SoFA), which they were assured was not signed.  

The Prime Minister assured the delegation the Government has not signed a SoFA agreement with the US, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a short statement.  

Commenting on the meeting the Prime Minister said: “Had a successful meeting with the Bar Association of Sri Lanka delegation. They sought clarification on SoFA, MCC and the proposed Land Bill. Explained there is no SoFA. They were pleased. Explained the MCC. Told them that the Land Bill is now at the Parliament. They will send their recommendations.”

BASL President Kalinga Indatissa PC, Deputy President Shavindra Fernando PC, Secretary Kaushalya Navarathne AAL and other members of the Executive Committee of the BASL were present at the meeting. 

Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana PC, Justice Minister Thalatha Athukorale AAL, and Prime Minister’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake and Director (Development Communications) at the Prime Minister’s Office Sudarshana Gunawardana were present.