Sri Lanka, Dec. 19 -- The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has strongly condemned the conduct of Kaduwela Mayor Ranjan Jayalal, alleging that he had obstructed and hindered an Attorney-at-Law while representing an Animal Welfare Association at an inquiry conducted by the Mayor.

According to the BASL, the Attorney-at-Law had been representing an Animal Welfare Association when the incident occurred. The BASL viewed the Mayor's conduct as a serious interference with the professional independence and duties of an Attorney-at-Law.

In a statement, the BASL referred to audio recordings circulating on social media and reports carried by the media, in which the Mayor is allegedly heard claiming to be an "Unofficial Magistrate" and implying t...