The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has issued an urgent call for all attorneys-at-law to refrain from appearing in courts nationwide on February 16th, following the shocking murder of prominent lawyer Buddhika Mallawa Arachchi and his wife. The couple was shot dead inside their vehicle at a supermarket car park in Akuregoda, Thalangama on Friday, February 14th, sending shockwaves through Sri Lanka's legal community.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The brutal killing occurred in broad daylight at a busy supermarket car park, raising serious concerns about the safety and security of legal professionals in Sri Lanka. Attorney-at-law Buddhika Mallawa Arachchi, a respected member of the legal fraternity, and his wife were targeted in what appears to be a premeditated attack. The incident has prompted immediate action from the Bar Association, which convened a special general meeting on February 15th to address the crisis.
The location of the attack – a public car park in Thalangama – has particularly alarmed the legal community, as it demonstrates the brazen nature of the crime and the apparent lack of concern for public safety shown by the perpetrators. This incident marks another dark chapter in the ongoing challenges faced by Sri Lanka's judiciary and legal professionals.
BASL's Emergency Response
In response to this heinous crime, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka held a special general meeting on February 15th, 2026, to determine the appropriate course of action. The association's leadership made the unprecedented decision to call for a complete boycott of court proceedings across the country on February 16th, demonstrating the gravity with which the legal community views this attack.
The BASL's press statement emphasized that this action is not merely a protest but a necessary step to highlight the deteriorating security situation facing legal professionals. The association has expressed deep concern about the safety of attorneys-at-law and the potential impact on the administration of justice if such attacks continue unchecked.
Impact on the Justice System
The nationwide court boycott called by BASL represents a significant disruption to Sri Lanka's judicial system. All court proceedings scheduled for February 16th will effectively come to a standstill as attorneys across the country heed the association's call. This unprecedented action underscores the seriousness of the situation and the legal community's determination to demand justice and protection.
The boycott affects all levels of the court system, from magistrate courts to the Supreme Court, potentially delaying hundreds of cases and affecting thousands of litigants. However, the BASL has deemed this sacrifice necessary to draw attention to the critical issue of lawyer safety and to demand immediate action from authorities.
Security Concerns for Legal Professionals
The murder of Buddhika Mallawa Arachchi has highlighted the vulnerable position of legal professionals in Sri Lanka. Lawyers often handle sensitive cases involving powerful individuals and organizations, making them potential targets for intimidation and violence. The fact that this attack occurred in a public place during daytime hours has intensified concerns about the adequacy of security measures for legal practitioners.
The legal community has long raised concerns about threats and intimidation faced by attorneys, particularly those involved in high-profile or politically sensitive cases. This latest incident represents an escalation of violence that the BASL believes cannot be ignored or tolerated.
Call for Justice and Protection
The Bar Association's actions go beyond the immediate boycott, with the organization demanding a thorough investigation into the murders and calling for enhanced protection measures for legal professionals. The BASL has emphasized that the rule of law itself is under threat when lawyers cannot practice their profession safely.
The association has also called upon the government and law enforcement agencies to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of all legal practitioners. This includes not only investigating this specific crime but also implementing broader security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Implications for Sri Lanka's Legal System
The killing of Buddhika Mallawa Arachchi and the subsequent court boycott have far-reaching implications for Sri Lanka's legal system and democracy. The incident raises questions about the state's ability to protect those who serve the justice system and maintain the rule of law.
As the legal community stands united in demanding justice and protection, the government faces pressure to respond decisively to this crisis. The success of any response will be measured not only by the swift apprehension of those responsible for this crime but also by the implementation of effective measures to prevent future attacks on legal professionals.
The February 16th court boycott serves as a powerful statement from Sri Lanka's legal community that such violence will not be tolerated and that the safety of those who serve justice must be guaranteed for the legal system to function effectively.