Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) President Rajeev Amarasuriya yesterday rejected allegations of wrongdoing made against him, describing them as ‘false and malicious’ and part of a campaign of personal attacks aimed at undermining him.
In a Facebook post, Amarasuriya said the latest allegation stemmed from a complaint reportedly lodged with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) by Nagananda Kodithuwakku through the Vinivida Foundation.
Amarasuriya said the complaint related to cases in which he had appeared, and continues to appear, in his professional capacity on behalf of the authorised dealer of a motor vehicle manufacturer in Sri Lanka before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
He maintained that he had acted solely as counsel instructed to represent his client and rejected the allegations as being ‘false, malicious and, in my view, intended to serve collateral purposes.’
Amarasuriya also noted that Kodithuwakku had been removed from the office of Attorney-at-Law by the Supreme Court on 29 February 2024 following a finding of professional misconduct.
Referring to the Anti-Corruption Act, he said knowingly making false complaints to CIABOC is an offence under Section 119, carrying criminal sanctions and provisions for compensation to a person falsely accused.
Amarasuriya said he would not be deterred by personal attacks, adding that criticism was inevitable when taking principled positions and defending institutions and the rule of law.