In 2014, ABA ROLI worked with the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), provincial bar associations, education institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to support the development of both institutional and individual capacity to protect and enforce Sri Lankan citizens’ legal rights, which included technical assistance, capacity-building support, and training toward the goal of rights-based governance and respect for the rule of law. On July 11, 2014, the American Bar Association and BASL signed a historic Friendship Agreement to underscore both associations’ commitment to and collaboration on promoting the rule of law. The agreement outlines how the bars will share legal expertise and lays the groundwork for providing technical assistance to the legal profession in Sri Lanka, including by collaborating with the country’s provincial bars. During a February 2015 study tour in Houston (Texas) by BASL, ABA ROLI held a ceremonial signing reception for the agreement. Then-ABA President William C. Hubbard and BASL Delegation Head Anura Meddegoda signed the agreement for their respective associations.
In June 2014, ABA ROLI staff traveled to Sri Lanka to conduct an assessment of BASL’s capacity and needs, using a modified version of ABA ROLI’s Legal Professional Reform Index (LPRI). Based on the LPRI’s recommendations and priority issues that emerge, ABA ROLI worked with BASL to develop strategies and actions plans to boost its internal capacity in key areas, continuing legal education, ethics, research and advocacy. Through the development of the strategic plan, ABA ROLI engaged technical experts to work with BASL staff on ethics and professional responsibility, financial sustainability, continuing legal education services, and supporting the role of the CEO at BASL. ABA ROLI also convened tailored international learning exchanges for high level Bar leadership and other officials on issues related to transitional justice and building the rule of law in a post-conflict environment, among other issues. ABA ROLI implemented the program, Strengthening the Legal Profession in Sri Lanka from 2014-2016 with funding by the United States Agency for International Development.
This program included an annual study tour to the United States for BASL leadership and other lawyers, with the aim of establishing lasting professional networks. BASL members participated in the ABA's annual and mid-year meetings, which introduced the delegation to the role of the US legal profession’s identity as defenders of rights and of the rule of law, as civically minded contributors toward an equitable society, and as an ethical profession. Workshop sessions and activities during the study tours emphasized bar development and management, ethics and regulation of the profession, and the bar association’s role in supporting an effective continuing legal education (CLE) regime in Sri Lanka.
In September 2015, ABA ROLI conducted a second study tour for eight BASL members in Singapore City, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Malaysia and Singapore were chosen because they are home to comparable regionally based bar associations that match the size and capacity of BASL. This tour included meetings with legal experts, practitioners, bar association leaders, and judges who are at the forefront of rule-of-law advocacy in their home countries. The meetings allowed participants to share information and experiences on the development of an effective, efficient and financially viable bar association capable of serving its members and advancing justice for all citizens.