Centenary of the Kalutara Bar Association – a historic milestone marking 100 years of dedicated service to the legal profession and the administration of justice.
The Kalutara Bar Association, one of the oldest Bar Associations in the country, is proud of its well-established and respected tradition of service spanning over one hundred years to the legal community and the public. We continue to uphold the highest standards of legal excellence, professional integrity, and the administration of justice. Our Association brings together a diverse body of practitioners, including advocates, senior counsel, and other well-qualified legal professionals, who are dedicated to protecting and safeguarding the rights and interests of their clients.
To promote justice, uphold the rule of law, and support the professional growth of our members while serving the community with integrity and dedication.
To be a leading legal institution in Sri Lanka, recognized for excellence, unity, and unwavering commitment to justice.
We value integrity, excellence, unity, service, and justice in everything we do.
It is indeed a privilege for me to serve as the President of the Kalutara Bar Association, as well as the Zonal President, at a historic moment when the Kalutara Bar celebrates its centenary.
With a membership exceeding two hundred, the Kalutara Bar has upheld the highest traditions of the legal profession and earned a distinguished reputation as one of the strongest Bars in the country. Over the decades, it has produced many leading practitioners, including eminent advocates who have rendered invaluable service to the legal fraternity and contributed greatly to the advancement of the profession.
As we celebrate this important milestone, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported us in numerous ways and generously dedicated their time, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the progress and betterment of the Association.
I am confident that our members will continue to uphold the noble traditions we have inherited from our distinguished seniors and will remain committed to rendering their utmost service to the profession and to society at large.
I consider it a singular honour bestowed on me as the senior most member of the Kalutara Bar Association, to be invited to send a message for the centenary celebration of the association.
The late D.G.F. Walter in his book ” In and out of the Kalutara Courts ” described the lawyers as ” fearless and independent men imbued with their noble tradition s, alive to their duties, men who did not hope to thrive on a Judge’s smile nor shrivel under his frown, men of courage who asserted themselves without flinching as occasion demanded, thereby earning the respect and regard both of the Judge’s and suitors”. How true were these words of wisdom, true then, as it is now. Yes we all belong to an organisation such as the Kalutara Bar Association which has existed for a period of one hundred years.
Let us bow our heads in great reverence and pay tribute to our members who are now no more with us, but had during their life time, contributed in some small way, to assure unto us, an organisation filled with honoured traditions and of great significance.
I wish all the members of the present Kalutara Bar Association every success.
It is with immense pride and gratitude that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Kalutara Bar Association on the momentous occasion of completing 100 years of distinguished service.
As a former President and the current Vice President, and having been privileged to serve the legal profession for over 45 years in active practice, I have witnessed firsthand the Association’s unwavering commitment to justice, professionalism, and the rule of law.
Over the past century, the Bar Association has not only strengthened the legal fraternity but has also gifted the nation with eminent judges who have risen to serve in the Supreme Courts, bringing great honour to the Bar and upholding the highest standards of judicial excellence.
This centenary stands as a testament to the dedication, integrity, and collective efforts of generations of legal professionals who have upheld the finest traditions of our noble profession. I am honoured to have been part of this remarkable journey and remain confident that the Bar Association will continue to guide, inspire, and serve the legal community in the years to come.
I wish the Association continued strength, unity, and success as it embarks on its next century of service.
It is a singular privilege and honour for me to share this message on the historic occasion of the centenary celebration of the Kalutara Bar Association, established in 1926.Over the past century, the KBA has stood as one of the oldest and most respected Associations in Sri Lanka, nurturing generations of eminent practitioners and distinguished advocates who have made invaluable contributions to the development of the legal profession and the administration of justice.Today, the KBA proudly comprises a vibrant membership of over 200, bringing together both young and dynamic lawyers alongside seasoned and highly experienced professionals. This harmonious blend of youth and experience remains the cornerstone of our strength and distinction.As an Association, we take profound pride in upholding the highest standards of professional discipline, integrity, and ethical conduct, while remaining steadfast in our commitment to the continuous advancement of legal knowledge among our members.As we commemorate this remarkable milestone, we honour the legacy of our predecessors and reaffirm our dedication to preserving the proud traditions of the KBA, while striving towards excellence in the years to come.
With the completion of one hundred (100) years in 2026 since its establishment in 1926, Kalutara Bar Association marks a significant centenary milestone. At this juncture, it is noted that the Association has successfully accumulated adequate financial resources to support its future activities and is equipped with the necessary facilities to host conferences and similar events. In addition, the Association maintains a well-equipped, air-conditioned library, which constitutes a considerable institutional asset.Further, through the Welfare Fund established for the benefit of its members, the Association has rendered valuable assistance and services to its membership.Moreover, our Association has consistently undertaken initiatives to promote the welfare of its members, including the organisation of end-of-term gatherings, recreational excursions, and New Year festivals, as well as the customary arrangement of a dining table on the first day of judicial sittings in January and April. Such activities have contributed significantly to fostering collegiality and enhancing the mental well-being of members.In response to the recent flood disasters, the Association extended assistance to two schools in the Chilaw area that were adversely affected. This included the donation of school bags, valued in excess of two million rupees, to all affected students of both schools, the provision of specialised milk powder required for cancer patients, and the active participation of legal practitioners in legal aid camps offering free legal advice. Additionally, the Association has supported events and sporting activities organised by court staff. Through these social service initiatives, the Kalutara Bar Association has demonstrated a notable contribution to the broader community.In light of the foregoing, and at this significant centenary milestone, I consider it a great honour and privilege to have been afforded the opportunity to serve as the Secretary of the Kalutara Bar Association.
Happy 100th Anniversary to the Bar Association!
As your Treasurer, I look at this centennial and see a magnificent return on investment—not just in terms of resources, but in the invaluable legacy of mentorship, advocacy, and fellowship we have built together over the last century.
An organization doesn’t survive for 100 years by accident. It survives because of the collective dedication of its members who continuously show up, support our initiatives, and invest in the future of the legal profession. It is an honor to manage the financial health of an association with such a rich history and a bright future.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. Let us celebrate the incredible foundations laid by those before us, and raise a glass to the next century of success!
Kinsula Liyanage (President), Rohan Cooray (Vice President), Dixon Punchihewa (Vice President), Ajith Saparamadu (Vice President), Anusha Jayalath (Secretary), Ranindra Punchihewa/ Manik Tharuka ( Asst. Secretary – appointed on 24/06/2026), Ranjitha Nawarathna (Treasurer), Vidhesh De Laneroll (Asst. Treasurer), Charith Weerasinghe (Librarian), Candid De Silva (Auditor)
Jayanthi Ekanayake, Himash Liyanarachchi, Sarath Karawita, Thusara Jayakody, Priyanka Fernando, Ishara Kathaluwage, Sanali Kulasooriya, Asela Kularathne, Madhushan Indrakumara, Piyumi Indunil
Explore our archive of seminars and workshops hosted by KBA
Explore the Bench & Bar meetings hosted and attended by KBA
Explore highlights from our past administrative meetings and association events.
Showcasing the networking events, galas, and social gatherings hosted for our members and peers
Showcasing the community-focused events and welfare programs hosted by KBA.
Browse our archive of events dedicated to the creative and literary expressions of KBA.
Founded in 1926, the Kalutara Bar Association has proudly served the legal community and the public for nearly a century.
