Sept 30, 2008 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s lawyers are to protest in front of the main court complex in the capital Colombo while condemnation poured in, after an attack on the residence of a top anti-corruption activist and fellow attorney.
“We fear that we cannot ignore this situation any further and allow it to escalate to the only possible next level; which we seriously apprehend as absolute anarchy.”
The motion called upon the association to set up a method where lawyers were made available for victims of human rights or actions seeking good governance and accountability were given legal assistance.
The attack on Weliamuna drew condemnation from rights bodies and the international community.
The European Union said the attack was just the latest in a series that have been directed against ordinary citizens of the country.
“The EU notes with concern the trend in attacks and threats on journalists, civil society organizations and now a lawyer,” it said in a statement.
“Although there is no indication on the reasons or on the perpetrators of this attack, it is assumed that the attack may have been against the important human rights and anti corruption work Mr.Weliamuna was involved in.”
The United States