The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has passed a resolution demanding the resignation of public security minister Tiran Alles, or else the president removed him from the position.
The BASL also said it would resort to local as well as international legal action if the minister was not removed.
The basis for its demand is a recent statement made by Alles that it was not a sin to eradicate murderers and drug traffickers.
Since minister Alles is presently out of the country, a senior official of his staff was reached for a comment.
He said a serious difference of opinions has arisen in recent months between the minister and certain lawyers.
That is after his remark on 18 December in Matara that many leading lawyers charge millions of rupees to appear in court on behalf of drug traffickers, the official noted.
He said a special campaign would be launched tomorrow (30) to expose lawyers who speak against ‘Yukthiya’ operation and appear on behalf of drug traffickers.
Despite any death threats to the minister, he remains committed to eliminating the underworld and drugs, the official added.