The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has decided against hosting the proposed debate between the leaders of the National People’s Power (NPP) and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) following a unanimous decision at their General Meeting on Saturday. SJB MP Nalin Bandara had submitted a request to the BASL to support organizing the debate between SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa and NPP Leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake. However, the BASL cited the absence of a declared Presidential Election and the uncertainty of possible candidates as reasons for not facilitating the debate at this time.
BASL President Kaushalya Navaratne, PC, acknowledged the request from SJB but highlighted that without a confirmed Presidential Election and clear candidates, conducting a debate between only two aspirants would pose logistical challenges and lack proper context.