Chief Justice gives checklist to make Sri Lanka a “Just Republic”

■ In address at BASL Legal Symposium calls for ethical integrity, Constitutional values, and collaborative legal development

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ADDRESSING the inaugural session of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) Legal Symposium 2025, Chief Justice Murdu Fernando, PC, emphasised the importance of ethical integrity, Constitutional values, and collaborative legal development in steering Sri Lanka towards a “Just Republic.”

This was the first Legal Symposium of the BASL held after the assumption of office by Rajeev Amarasuriya as the President of the Association.

In her keynote address, Fernando expressed appreciation to the BASL for organising these Legal Symposiums and commended its efforts to engage outstation branches with the same vigour as its metropolitan counterpart. “This symposium, hosted in the South, amply showcases the BASL’s recognition of its outstation branches,” she noted, praising the inclusive outreach.

The Chief Justice urged continued commitment from the BASL in advancing justice, describing the symposium as a gathering “united by a shared commitment for the advancement of justice in Sri Lanka or a ‘Just Republic.”

Reflecting on rising public concerns about the legal system, she acknowledged the challenges posed by archaic or unresponsive laws. “Some speak up stemming from their fair share of disappointment, some talk to correct them, some to make a mockery of the legal system,” she said, underscoring the need for legal renewal in an evolving society.