Bar Association delegation addresses the High Court of Bhutan

A delegation led by Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) President Rajeev Amarasuriya addressed the High Court of Bhutan during a historic visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan.

The main purpose of the visit is to strengthen cooperation and exchange experiences regarding the administration of justice between Sri Lanka and Bhutan.

Amarasuriya spoke before the High Court bench, comprising eight judges led by Chief Justice Duba Drukpa.

Welcoming the Bar Association of Sri Lanka delegation, the Chief Justice described the visit as a valuable opportunity to expand ties between the legal communities of both countries.

Pointing out that the judiciary and the legal profession are two branches of the same profession standing for justice, he emphasised mutual respect and commitment to the rule of law.

President Rajeev Amarasuriya expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended to the BASL delegation by the Bhutanese judiciary and legal profession.

He pointed out that although Sri Lanka and Bhutan follow different constitutional paths, the two countries are connected as South Asian nations as well as countries sharing a common spiritual and cultural background.

He stated that Bhutan's Gross National Happiness concept clearly demonstrates that development must ultimately focus on people, and that the judiciary and lawyers must prioritize protecting human dignity and resolving issues peacefully in the administration of justice.

Amarasuriya further said that judges and lawyers are partners in the common objective of administering justice, and that judicial independence and the independence of the legal profession are not privileges reserved solely for judges or lawyers, but ultimately a protection belonging to the public.

He identified that the two countries can learn from each other in areas such as legal education, opportunities for young lawyers, constitutional law, technology, and judicial administration.

Also during this visit, the first bilateral meeting between the Bhutan Bar Council and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka was held, where a Joint Bar Statement was reached to strengthen the rule of law, professional integrity, and judicial independence.

Additionally, during the visit, the BASL delegation met and held discussions with Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Bhutan Lyonpo Norbu Tshering and Attorney General Sonam Tashi.