BASL calls on President to revoke emergency regulations

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) on Saturday called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to immediately revoke the proclamation declaring a state of emergency.

Issuing a statement, the BASL also requested the President to ensure that the fundamental rights of the people, such as the freedom of expression – including the freedom of speech and publication – and the freedom of peaceful assembly, which are aspects of the sovereignty of the people, are respected and protected and not violated by the State or its agents.

The BASL said the declaration of a state of emergency is not the answer to the present situation in the country, including the spate of public protests which have occurred and that these reflect the desperate situation of the people who are seeking to secure for themselves, and their families some of the most basic essentials in life.

“The BASL is firmly of the view that the right to protest and the right to dissent are important aspects of the fundamental rights of the people, including the freedom of expression and the freedom of peaceful assembly. These rights are of course subject to the restrictions set out in Article 15 of the Constitution including in the interests of public order. However, any restrictions that are imposed by law must be proportionate and reasonable,” the statement said.