• BASL back to business from today 
• Calls for Immediate arrest of all individuals involved 

Legal proceedings across the country faced significant disruption yesterday (16) as thousands of lawyers withdrew from their professional duties. The strike was a collective response to the murder of an attorney and his wife in Akuregoda.

The mass boycott resulted in the postponement of approximately 1,000 cases nationwide, affecting every level of the judiciary from the Supreme Court down to Magistrate’s Courts.

The decision was reached during an emergency general meeting of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) held on Sunday (15).

BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya stated the symbolic protest served as a clear message to the State. He emphasised that such killings should not happen to anyone, regardless of their profession. "The Government has a fundamental responsibility to establish public safety and the rule of law," Amarasuriya said. He added that the legal community is prepared to offer its support and guidance to the State, but insisted that this must be the final such tragedy. He further called for the immediate arrest of all individuals involved in the crime.

Observers at the Colombo Magistrate’s Court noted a somber atmosphere. While some lawyers were seen within the court premises, they pointedly refused to enter the open courts to represent their clients. In many cases, only junior lawyers appeared briefly to request new dates for hearings. Although police and prison officials were present to produce suspects, the lack of legal representation meant that most sessions were concluded in a matter of minutes.

The day’s actions concluded with a protest march. A large group of lawyers gathered outside the Superior Courts complex in Colombo and marched towards the BASL headquarters. During the demonstration, leadership reaffirmed that legal professionals must be able to carry out their work without fear or intimidation, urging law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly.

The impact of the lawyers' absence was clearly visible as judicial proceedings were brought to a standstill. With legal counsel refusing to appear for hearings, business in all courts across the country was forced to conclude within a remarkably short period of time.

Meanwhile, BASL confirmed their members will appear in courts as usual from today (17), after boycotting proceedings yesterday. BASL Secretary, Attorney Chathura Galhena confirmed the return to normal court appearances to The Daily Morning.