Justice Minister denies backing US law firm to set up in SL

• Responds to BASL President’s comments to MR
• Insists no steps will be taken to undermine nation’s sovereignty  
• Warns BASL President making false statements could lead to public losing faith in organisation

Justice Minister Thalatha Atukorale yesterday denied she was in support of efforts to establish an American law firm in Sri Lanka, and insisted that neither she nor the Government would ever do anything to undermine the independence and sovereignty of Sri Lanka. 

Responding to a statement made by Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) President Kalinga Indatissa, the Minister said no approval was given to establish a branch of the American Bar Association, or any of its affiliated institutions.

Indatissa had made the statements during a discussion with Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa on 5 July.

Atukorale, issuing a statement in response, said that as the subject Minister she has not granted permission for any such institution to be established in Sri Lanka.

"I completely reject the statement made by the President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka President's Counsel Kalinga Indatissa, addressing the Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapaksa, that as the Justice Minister I have no objection to the establishment of a branch of the American Bar Association or any of its affiliates.

"As the subject Minister in charge, I have not authorised the establishment of any such institution in Sri Lanka."

She said the BASL President, by presenting the false information to the Opposition Leader without even inquiring from the country's President, the Prime Minister, or herself regarding the matter, has harmed the long-standing reputation of the Bar Association for his narrow political objectives.

The Minister further charged that as the President of the Bar Association, President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa has undermined the entire Bar Association by making such false statements without making any inquiries. She said that such false statements deceive the masses, and that once it is proven that these facts are incorrect, the people will lose their long-standing trust in the BASL.

"As Sri Lankans living in this country, I assure you that our Government, including the President, the Prime Minister and myself will not act in any manner that may harm or affect our motherland," Minister Atukorale said.