Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara and Opposition MP Ajith P. Perera clashed in Parliament today over their respective designations as legal professionals in Sri Lanka.
Addressing Parliament today, SJB MP Ajith P. Perera claimed that the Justice Minister too has been referred to as Adineethigna (අධිනීතීඥ) professionally.
The MP was responding to an allegation by the Justice Minister that MP Perera was misleading the public by referring to himself as Adineethigna, a title which is no longer used by legal professionals in Sri Lanka.
Justice Minister Nanayakkara refuted Perera’s claim, stating that he has worked as a state counsel for four years. “I have not brought that title here. I only asked you to present the certificate that qualifies you as Adineethigna (අධිනීතීඥ) as you have used this title in your websites,” Nanayakkara said.
Citing Act No. 26 of 2023, MP Perera said that there are two categories of lawyers identified, namely Instructing Attorney and Counsel. “Counsel means Adineethigna (අධිනීතීඥ). Don’t you understand Sinhala?” MP Perera questioned.
Perera also alleged that the Justice Minster himself has used the title in his election campaigns.
Responding to the MP, Justice Minister Nanayakkara clarified that he had only worked as Rajaye Adineethigna (state counsel) and had not used it to mislead voters.
An argument then ensued between the two Parliamentarians. (Islandnews)
