Peaceful Protest in Colombo Calling for the Removal of the Senior Attorney General

23-Jan-2026

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A peaceful protest demanding the removal of the Senior Attorney General was held in Colombo on 21 January, in front of the Colombo High Court.

Protesters carried placards accusing the Attorney General of corruption and bias.

Meanwhile, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed concern over recent social media posts targeting the Attorney General.

In a statement, the BASL said that certain individuals are attempting to unfairly interfere with the independence of the Attorney General’s Department through such postings.

The statement emphasized that the Attorney General performs a quasi-judicial role in criminal matters. Based on evidence presented by investigative authorities, the Attorney General must determine whether charges should be filed or indictments instituted.

The BASL further stressed that the Attorney General must assess whether the evidence is legally admissible and whether there is a reasonable prospect of securing a conviction.

It also noted that decisions of the Attorney General may be challenged through writ applications before the Court of Appeal or fundamental rights petitions before the Supreme Court.