BASL calls for independent probe on Lohan Ratwatte

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), in a statement yesterday, said it was deeply disturbed at the reports of the alleged criminal conduct on the part of the State Minister of Prison Management and Prisoners’ Rehabilitation Affairs and Gem and Jewellery related Industries Lohan Ratwatte, which seriously calls into question his eligibility to hold office in the Government any longer.

The BASL said it understands that Ratwatte has now tendered his resignation from the office of State Minister of Prison Management and Prisoners’ Rehabilitation Affairs but not from the office of State Minister of Gem and Jewellery-related Industries.

“The allegations that Mr. Ratwatte forcibly entered the prisons at Welikada with other persons and that he flew to Anuradhapura and forcibly entered the prison there and intimidated prisoners at that prison are acts of gross impunity and a threat to the rule of law,” BASL said.

“The allegations against him are such that Mr. Ratwatte can no longer command the trust or responsibility of not only a government minister charged with duties in respect of prisons, but also as a minister holding any other portfolio and as a Member of Parliament,” BASL added.

It said such acts of impunity are ones which should be investigated fully and impartially and if proved, be visited with penal consequences.

“It is imperative that independent and impartial investigations into these alleged criminal acts are conducted expeditiously,” emphasised BASL, adding that it has noted time and again that the State has a duty to protect prisoners in their custody.

“By tendering his resignation, Mr. Ratwatte has accepted responsibility for his conduct, and therefore, he has forfeited his moral right to hold any office in government, ministerial or otherwise.”

The BASL also called upon all relevant authorities, including the Attorney General and the law enforcement authorities, to act forthwith in dealing with these serious acts of impunity allegedly committed by Ratwatte.