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Appoint PCs on strict criteria, BASL tells President
View(s):The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has urged President Maithripala Sirisena to select President’s Counsel (PCs) based on a suitable criteria without degrading the legal profession.
It has requested a meeting with the President to discuss the issues concerning the methodology of appointing PCs .
In a letter to the President, the BASL suggests that the President seek the advice of the Chief Justice, the Attorney General and the BASL when appointing PCs. It has also suggested that such appointments be made following a strict criteria and a selection process.
The BASL has offered to assist in drafting of such criteria and selection process. The association points out that this would help uphold the integrity and honour of the legal profession.
The BASL has said it observes that the appointment of PCs on yearly, six-month or three-month basis is a practice that should not occur and calls for the appointment process to reflect the professional standard and integrity of such an office.
The letter also claims that the BASL is of the opinion that the president should not appoint PCs on the request of ministers or parliamentarians.
The letter signed by BASL Chairman Kalinga Indatissa, PC highlights how the appointments were made historically and draws the President’s attention to the 8th Amendment of the Constitution.
The amendment refers to potential PCs as “attorneys-at-law who have reached eminence in the profession and have maintained high standards of conduct and professional rectitude”. The BASL also draws the President’s attention to the relevant 19th Amendment clauses pertaining to the appointment of PCs.
The BASL, having cited a long history of judicial integrity and professionalism dating back to 1801, has requested a meeting with the President to discuss the matter.
The letter comes against the backdrop of the appointment of 46 PCs this year in two batches.