Former Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) President Upul Jayasuriya said that a group of lawyers are willing to offer their services to represent the victims of the series of bomb explosions which took place on Easter Sunday.
Speaking to the Daily News he said under Act 2 of 2019, it now gives the families of victims to sue or demand damages from officials and private institutions for their negligence, non-action or loss of love and affection.
“Moreover, a number of children have become destitute overnight due to their parents being killed in these bombings. Just giving them Rs. 100,000 to 300,000 will not do. Who will take care of them now?”
Jayasuriya said officials responsible for providing security and even hotels can be sued under the new Act. “Hotels have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their customers. They should have been more vigilant and should have checked the bags of those visiting the hotel. It is their responsibility.”
With regard to the foreigners who were killed in these explosions, Jayasuriya said the matter would be discussed with the Executive Committee of Law Asia. He added that discussions had taken place with the Bar Association with regard to providing the relatives and families of the victims legal representation to file these lawsuits, adding that they had assured him that a quick decision would be taken.