52nd Annual Convocation of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka

29th President Rajeev Amarasuriya (third from left) being Inducted by Attorney General 

Parinda Ranasinghe, PC 

The 52nd Annual Convocation of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) and the Induction of the 29th President of the association was ceremonially held on Sunday, 10 May 2026 at 12.30 p.m., at the Water’s Edge Hotel in the presence of distinguished members of the judiciary, government officials, members of the legal fraternity, and invited guests.

The event commenced with the arrival of the 52nd Chief Justice of India Bhushan R. Gavai, Supreme Court Justice Yasantha Kodagoda PC, Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe PC, Court of Appeal President Rohantha Abeysuriya PC, Solicitor General Viraj Dayaratne PC, and other distinguished guests, who were welcomed by the Management Committee of the BASL. The President elect was accompanied by his proposers and seconders.

The Solicitor General Viraj Dayaratne, PC officially announced the results of the election of  Rajeev Amarasuriya as the President of the BASL for the year 2026/2027 who was then formally inducted by the Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, PC, followed by the announcement of the election of Nalin De Silva for the post of Secretary for the year 2026/2027. Rajeev Amarasuriya was inducted to serve his second term as President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka. They were both elected unanimously by the membership.

Yasantha Kodagoda PC, the seniormost judge of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka addressing the gathering acknowledged with honour the presence of the Chief Justice of India Bhushan R. Gavai, as the Chief Guest on this occasion. He further recognised the Bar Association of Sri Lanka's unwavering commitment to the equitable administration of justice, highlighting the integral roles played by all members of the legal community, whether in court or through advocacy and education. He extended congratulations to President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Outgoing Secretary Chathura Galhena for their exemplary leadership during a challenging year.

He commented on the severe backlog and delays within the justice system, noting that courts are overwhelmed with an estimated one million pending cases causing a delay in justice delivery which can be described as a major threat to public confidence in the legal system. The speaker noted that although lawyers are generally ready to proceed with cases, courts face significant challenges due to heavy workloads, inadequate infrastructure, and limited resources. These long-standing systemic issues cannot be resolved overnight and require sustained, cooperative efforts to achieve meaningful reform. He called upon the Bench, the Bar, policymakers, court administrators, and all stakeholders to work together in implementing sustainable and progressive reforms aimed at creating a more efficient, accessible, affordable, fair, and expeditious justice system, keeping in mind that the litigants’ right to a fair hearing or the proper administration of justice according to law, is not compromised. 

He also stressed the importance of a cooperative approach by the Bench and the Bar, asserting that meaningful collaboration is crucial for advocating procedural changes and ensuring timely resolutions while maintaining the integrity of the judiciary.

In conclusion, Justice Kodagoda reminded all members of the bar of their profound responsibility in upholding justice, integrity, and professionalism, emphasising that the BASL must remain vigilant to protect its members and ensure the justice system serves as a fair arbiter of rights and responsibilities. 

Elected President Rajeev Amarasuriya addressing the gathering said that the BASL must operate not only as another professional association, but also more importantly as an independent civil society institution committed to upholding the Rule of Law, judicial independence, and democratic values and added that his work during the year was guided by three core principles: Independence, Inclusivity, and Innovation. In this regard, he consistently emphasised the importance of maintaining an independent Bar, adapting to the evolving composition of the profession, and embracing technological and institutional innovation, including support for initiatives such as the E-Courts Project and the digitalisation of the BASL.

He recalled that this year also witnessed sustained efforts by the BASL in protecting its members, defending professional integrity, and responding decisively to crises affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice. In addition, he said the BASL was involved in increasing the engagement in Alternative Dispute Resolution and mediation, in strengthening international collaborations, in establishing the first BASL Centre outside Colombo, and in investing significantly in the development of the Junior Bar through a wide range of professional programs. Overall, he said that this has been a year of intensive work, reform, and renewal, aimed at building a stronger, more inclusive, and future-ready Bar Association of Sri Lanka.

He further added that navigating the complexities of leadership within this institution requires integrity and principled action and that he endeavoured to lead based on conscience and collective responsibility, and ensured that actions must reflect support for all members regardless of their affiliations. This commitment was evident when the BASL swiftly intervened to secure relief for a member facing contempt charges and convened following the tragic assassination of a colleague.

He concluded his address by extending his appreciation to all members for their support during his tenure, especially to Deputy President Rienzie Arsecularatna, President’s Counsels and other leadership figures for their guidance and said he would work closely with the new Secretary Nalin De Silva, confident that their collaboration will benefit the BASL.

Delivering the keynote address, Chief Justice of India Bushan Gavai, expressed his gratitude for being invited to the Bar Association of Sri Lanka's 52nd convocation, which marked his first visit to the country. He acknowledged the significance of this occasion and recognised Rajeev Amarasuriya and the BASL for their achievements over the past year.

Justice Gavai highlighted the Bar Association of Sri Lanka’s impressive journey as a custodian of justice and constitutional values since its inception in 1974, emphasising that its credibility is rooted in its commitment to serve society beyond mere professional interests. He remarked on the association's dual role: defending lawyers while simultaneously championing citizens' rights, which underscores its vital position within the nation.

He added that what is remarkable about the Bar Association of Sri Lanka is that it has managed to preserve both dignity and relevance at the same time and that it has earned public trust through their conduct in the present and not through inherited prestige from history. He further added that the true strength of a bar association is not measured merely by the number of lawyers it represents but in whether it possesses the courage to speak when silence is convenient; whether it can defend institutional integrity when institutions themselves are under strain; and whether it can continue to nurture younger generations of lawyers with a sense of professional ethics and public responsibility. In that sense, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka represents something larger than a professional guild. It represents a continuing commitment to justice itself.

He emphasised the complementary relationship between the bar and the bench in a constitutional democracy, stating that both must respect one another to maintain balance in the justice system. He shared a recent incident in India where a potential clash between the bar and bench was averted through intervention, illustrating the need for mutual respect.

Discussing judicial independence, Justice Gavai noted that an independent judiciary cannot function in isolation; it relies heavily on a robust and autonomous bar that advocates for constitutional principles and holds the state accountable. He reflected on notable historical figures in India, like Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who used their legal education to shape social movements and promote civil rights and that their legacy highlights the importance of lawyers in articulating justice and moral values.

Justice Gavai provided examples from India's history where the bar had actively defended judicial independence, such as during the Emergency in 1975 and through public interest litigation that expanded access to justice.

He drew parallels with Sri Lanka’s legal history, noting the Bar Association's pivotal role during constitutional challenges, such as the 2012 impeachment proceedings against the Chief Justice. He also highlighted the participation of lawyers in public interest litigation, which safeguards citizens' rights and exemplifies their active engagement as constitutional actors.

Concluding, Justice Gavai asserted that the health of constitutional democracy relies not solely on legal texts but on a vigilant and independent bar. He called for collaboration among legal professionals to address contemporary challenges and expressed his appreciation for the work of Rajeev Amarasuriya and the Bar Association. He encouraged ongoing dialogue, learning, and a commitment to constitutional values, wishing the BASL continued success in its endeavours.

The ceremony also included the presentation of tokens of appreciation to Secretary 2024/2026 Chathura Galhena, and Assistant Secretary 2025/2026 Sarinda Jayawardena,  in recognition of their services rendered to the association during their tenure.

A special highlight of the convocation was the conferring of Honoris Causa Membership upon Upul Jayasuriya PC in recognition of his distinguished service and contribution to the legal profession.

Bar Association of Sri Lanka Secretary Nalin De Silva delivered the closing remarks, extending his sincere appreciation to all distinguished guests and participants present at the Annual Convocation, which formally marked the commencement of the association’s activities for the year ahead.