Colombo, Aug. 5 (Daily Mirror) – In a Facebook post, Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) President Rajeev Amarasuriya said he has faced several personal attacks over the past few weeks, describing them as “false and malicious” and part of a series of baseless personal attacks aimed at undermining him.

He said this campaign began with allegations that he had entered into a secret deal with the Leader of the Opposition.The BASL President has strongly denied allegations of wrongdoing made against him.

He said the latest allegation was made by Nagananda Kodithuwakku, who, according to Amarasuriya, was found guilty of professional misconduct and removed from the office of Attorney-at-Law by the Supreme Court on February 29, 2024.Amarasuriya said Kodithuwakku had publicly claimed that his Vinivida Foundation had lodged a complaint against him with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

According to Amarasuriya, the complaint relates to matters in which he has appeared, and continues to appear, in his professional capacity together with several President’s Counsel on behalf of the authorized dealer of a motor vehicle manufacturer in Sri Lanka in proceedings before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.Setting out what he described as the “true facts,” Amarasuriya said he had appeared only as counsel duly instructed to represent his client before the courts.He further noted that Kodithuwakku himself had appeared on behalf of a respondent and an intervenient petitioner in some of the earlier proceedings but had ceased to do so after being removed from the office of Attorney-at-Law by the Supreme Court.

Amarasuriya categorically rejected the allegations against him, stating that they were “false, malicious and, in my view, intended to serve collateral purposes.”Referring to the legal implications of making false complaints, he pointed out that Section 119 of the Anti-Corruption Act makes it an offence to knowingly make false allegations to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption and provides for criminal sanctions as well as compensation to a person who is falsely accused.Amarasuriya also said he would not be deterred by personal attacks.“When one takes principled positions, speaks independently and is prepared to defend institutions and the rule of law, criticism is inevitable. That is part of public life,” he said.

He added that it was important to remain focused on the truth, continue to discharge professional responsibilities faithfully and allow the facts to speak for themselves.Concluding his post, the BASL President quoted an old saying: “The tallest tree catches the most wind.”