Ensure suspects are provided safety, BASL reminds Police

COLOMBO (News 1st); It is a setback for the country if the suspects in Police custody are not provided safety, says the Chairman of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, Saliya Peiris PC.

Participating in a workshop on the prominence which should be given to lawyers at Police stations, the BASL Chairman pointed out that the Supreme Court has issued many Court orders emphasizing the responsibility which the Police has of ensuring the safety of any suspect under custody. 

Speaking at the event, PC Saliya Peiris also stated that the human rights situation in the country is being questioned at present, as in the coming months, the EU will decide whether they should continue to provide the GSP+ tax concessions. and said that human rights and the rule of law must be protected especially under these circumstances.

" During the past few months, many lawyers have called me at late night alleging that their clients are being threatened. What can I do? I kept the IGP informed through WhatsApp messages. Sometimes their clients are not harmed. At other times, I hear that they are harmed and killed in the effort taken to recover weapons," he said.

Speaking further, PC Saliya Peiris emphasized that lawyers must not interfere with the investigations, and encouraged considerate behavior on the side of the Police as well.

Justice Minister Ali Sabry also emphasized that the Police should carry out their duties within the frame of rule of law, and stated that security of the country should be extended to matters simply beyond the borders, such as human rights and economy.

Senior Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris was also present at the event.