The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) made a request to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to consider appointing a widely accepted person by the community to fill the vacant role of a Chairperson at the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), while underscoring the important of said position. They made this known via a letter addressed to President Rajapaksa dated today (15). The letter stated that the Human Rights Commission which was established by Act no. 21 of 1996 plays an important role in the promotion of human rights in Sri Lanka, and that the vacancy which is now available at the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) should be given to a person who is accepted in society as it has in the past. "Since its inception the HRCSL has been chaired by persons who have distinguished themselves in the fields of Human Rights and Law. Prior to 2020, the chair of the HRCSL has always been held by either retired judges of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka or those who have been renowned in Sri Lanka and internationally for their professional and academic work in human rights," the letter mentioned. Further, the letter mentions the requirements and the job scope of the HRCSL such as looking into investigations and complaints against human rights and ensuring compliance with the provisions of the constitution, promoting fundamental rights and promoting respect for fundamental rights, whilst assisting the government in formulating legislation and administrative directives and procedures in compliance with international standards, thus a person suitable to carry out these duties was recommended by the BASL. Whilst stating that the HRCSL has received an "A" grade status by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions based on the compliance with the Paris Principles (1993), which has also been adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, where the global standards on which the credibility and effectiveness of National Human Rights is assessed, the letter mentions that the main requirements under the Paris Principles is Political Independence of the National Institution both in law and practice. In conclusion, the BASL has urged President Rajapaksa to consider all aspects when a nomination is made to the Parliamentary council. This letter has also been forwarded to The Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Samagi Jana Balawegaya leader Sajith Premadasa and Parliamentary Council members Douglas Devananda and Kabir Hashim.