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Sri Lanka

Failing to Protect the Rule of Law and the Independence of the Judiciary - November 2001 

In 2001, the IBA sent a delegation to Sri Lanka to meet with the Bar Association, representatives of the media, judges, academics and politicians. The focus of the mission was to identify the circumstances surrounding the calling of a referendum on the Constitution and assess its implications for the rule of law. The mission also examined attempts to disbar the Chief Justice from practising as a lawyer and attempts by over one-third of Members of Parliament to have him impeached. During its visit the delegation also became aware of serious threats to freedom of speech and the press in the country.

Click here to read the report.