2,000-Year Civilisational Bond; Says BASL Chief At Indian Supreme Court

COLOMBO (News 1st); A Sri Lankan lawyers’ delegation, visiting India on the invitation of the Bar Association of India, took part in a landmark professional engagement at the Supreme Court of India

Rajeev Amarasuriya, President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) speaking at the event noted that Sri Lanka and India are jurisdictions closely linked through geographical proximity, shared culture, and a long tradition of legal and constitutional development.

He emphasised that this was the first occasion in which a Sri Lankan Bar delegation had appeared before the Supreme Court of India in a structured exchange of ideas and professional interaction, marking a significant milestone for both Bars and for the wider legal communities of the two countries.

He highlighted that the two legal systems have evolved in parallel, shaped by common legal traditions, similar constitutional frameworks, and a mutual commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, and democratic governance. He added that the connection between the two nations extends far beyond the legal sphere, grounded in a civilisational relationship of more than 2,000 years.

Proceedings were held in Court No. 1, presided over by the Chief Justice of India, Honourable Surya Kant, along with Justices R. Mahadevan and Joymalya Bagchi. The Chief Justice extended a warm welcome to the Sri Lankan delegation and recalled his visit to Colombo in August last year.

Addressing the court, Amarasuriya conveyed greetings from Sri Lanka’s legal profession and emphasised that this gathering marked a significant and memorable step in strengthening professional engagement between the Bars of Sri Lanka and India.