BASL honours senior human rights lawyers

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 07 April 2004, 14:38 GMT]
The Legal Aid Foundation (LAF) of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has honoured seven senior lawyers, Mr.K.Sivapalan of Trincomalee, Ms. Shantha Abimannasingham of Jaffna, Ms C.M.Balalle of Maho, Mr.M.Sittampalam of Vavuniya, and Mr.A.L.M. Hashim of Kegalle, Mr. Ashoka Mahadiulweve of Anuradhapura and Mr. Marshal Perera of Badulla, with the honorary title " Senior Legal Aid Counsel."

The Chief Justice of Sri Lanka, Mr.Sarath N.Silva, at a function held recently at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) conferred the honorary title on them, sources said.

"Mr.K.Sivapalan is a well-known human rights activist in the Trincomalee district. His academic achievment, both local and foreign, has enabled him not only to effectively introduce legal aid to the people of Trincomalee but also take this noble concept to the very grass root levels of the country. His contribution to the legal aid and developmental legal aid is indeed admirable," said the LAF in its citation read at the event on Mr.Sivapalan.

It further said, "An expert in the subject of conflict resolution, Mr.Sivapalan has contributed much to the peace building process of this country. His devotion to the cause of justice and peace has been impeccable."

Referring to the services rendered by Ms Shantha Abimannasingham, the LAF said in its citation, "The flag of LAF flies high in the Jaffna peninsula as a result of her dedicated services. Being active for more than three decades, she has served under war and confusion in the peninsula and has resolved to remain in the peninsula to serve the poor on a honorary basis as a part of her legal obligation. She has left no stone unturned to make the concept of 'access to justice for all' a reality. Her devoted services to the legal system of this country, specially during the war-torn period are of immense value."

The LAF also paid glowing tributes to the services of other recipients of the honour.