Secretary Defence responds to Bar Association's selective concerns

Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa has responded to the concerns underscored by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka on an article published on the defence.lk.

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka, a non-governmental body that claims to represent the Attorneys - at- Law in the country, in a letter has condemned the news article titled "Traitors in Black Coats Flocked Together?" on 10th July 2009, and also called the article an endeavour to prevent lawyers appearing for clients and/or clients having the service of lawyers.

In a letter addressed to the President of the Bar Association, the Secretary Defence highlights that the defence media is equally free to comment on certain publicly known features as the lawyers are free to appear for any cause. He states that it is for the public to decide on the appropriate classification of patriotism or terrorism or otherwise, if that is material or relevant. `

Also, the Secretary Defence points out the selective nature of the Bar Association's concerns, as it has never appealed on behalf of any of its members who were often labelled as "xenophobic", "racist", "extremist" and "chauvinistic" by media whenever such individuals stood up for the country.

>> The Defence Secretary's letter in full: defence.lk