BASL DEPLORES ATTACK ON WIJEYDASA RESIDENCE

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) said yesterday that it expected law enforcement authorities to conduct an impartial and expeditious investigation into the alleged attack against BASL President Wijeydasa Rajapakshe which took place on Thursday.

The BASL said that if the authorities failed to conduct a meaningful investigation it would be compelled to take action. The BASL Executive Committee met yesterday evening to discuss the threat to Mr. Raja-

The BASL is shocked and dismayed that gun shots have been fired at the residence of Mr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe

pakshe’s life after gun shots were heard and empty cartridges found outside his home two days ago.

BASL Secretary Sanjaya Gamage said that there was an unprecedented threat to Mr. Rajapakshe’s life and the Executive Committee had decided that adequate security should be provided to Mr. Rajapakshe and also to the rest of the members of BASL if they required security.

After the alleged incident two police constables had been provided for extra security protection outside Mr. Rajapakshe’s home.

“The Bar Association of Sri Lanka is shocked and dismayed that gun shots have been fired at the residence of Mr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe. We unreservedly deplore and condemn this cowardly and despicable act,” the BASL said in a statement.

The BASL also condemned the recent intimidation against mem- ber Gunarathne Wanninayake on Monday and demanded that authorities conduct an impartial investigation into the incident and bring the perpetrators before the law.