In the run-up to the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) election, an increasing smear campaign against leading candidate PC Saliya Peiris can be seen on various social media platforms. Peiris, the former Chairman of the Office of Missing Persons (OMP) took to his Facebook page today to respond to the mudslinging campaign against him.
Peiris said he will respond to any allegation if required by an appropriate forum. “I have seen posts on social media by certain persons making various allegations against me. Distorted and edited videos are being shared by these persons and by fake and sponsored pages on Facebook and through WhatsApp” he said.
He also revealed that a similar campaign is now being planned through sections of the media in the next few weeks prior to the election.
“Such allegations are being made as part of a vicious campaign aimed at me in the runup to the Bar Association elections, with the sole intent of tarnishing my image. These are instigated by persons who have stated in public that they will destroy me” he said.
“I will respond to any allegation if required by an appropriate forum. During my career, I have always striven to conduct myself according to the highest standards of our profession. The members of the Bench and the Bar will be the best judges of my conduct in the profession.
It is my hope that the members of the legal profession will deliver a strong message to those who are seeking to win at all costs without any regard to the profession or to common decency” he added.
