Nationwide Court Boycott as Lawyers Demand Justice Over Akuregoda Double Murder

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Court operations across the island were disrupted as lawyers withdrew from judicial duties, demanding the immediate arrest of the suspects involved in the shooting and killing of a lawyer and his wife in Akuregoda.

This morning, members and senior officials of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) arrived on foot at their headquarters, while lawyers from the North, East and other regions joined the protest through silent demonstrations.

In several areas, protest marches were organized, and at many court premises,  black flags were raised.

Following the murder of Attorney-at-Law Buddhika Mallawaarachchi and his wife, the BASL convened a special meeting in Colombo yesterday. 

The decision to withdraw from court work today was taken at that gathering.

Speaking to media, Rajeev Amarasuriya, President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka noted that the government is duty-bound to maintain public safety and the rule of law.