While certain members of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) find themselves embroiled in controversy following allegations of the misappropriation of funds given by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the probe committee appointed by the BASL stated that the investigation into the recent incident remains ongoing as it continues its thorough probe.
Following the controversy, the BASL’s Bar Council appointed a five-member committee of inquiry composed of President’s Counsels (PCs) K. Kanag-Isvaran, Faisz Musthapha, Ikram Mohamed, Rienzie Arsekularatne, and Geoffrey Alagaratnam to look into certain aspects of the allegations pertaining to the BASL project funded by the JICA relating to the promotion of a transparent and competitive business climate (anti-corruption) in Sri Lanka.
Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (1July), Mohamed PC confirmed that "the investigations are still going on" and emphasised that it is therefore not appropriate to comment further on the matter at this stage. Yet, he assured that the committee would conclude the probe immediately and hand over the report to the Bar Council of the BASL. "The report, once concluded, will be submitted to the Bar Council for further review," he added.
Weeks ago, certain media reports alleged that some members of the BASL had misappropriated a portion of a grant provided by the JICA to conduct a survey and workshops on combating bribery and corruption in Sri Lanka. Those reports alleged that five members of the BASL, including its President (there is now a different Acting President) Kaushalya Nawaratne PC had misappropriated a sum of Rs. 19 million out of the Rs. 21 million provided for the said purpose. Subsequently, many in the legal fraternity and civil society, including the Colombo Law Society, demanded the resignation of the BASL officers who are allegedly involved in the said matter.
Several attempts made yesterday to obtain an update on the situation from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption Chairperson, retired Justice Neil Iddawela, and its Director General Kanishka Wijeratne, proved futile.
Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe PC, was also unavailable for comment.