Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara and Samagi Jana Balawegaya Ajith P. Perera engaged in a heated exchange in Parliament yesterday regarding their professional designations as legal professionals in Sri Lanka.
MP Ajith P. Perera claimed that Justice Minister Nanayakkara has also been professionally referred to as the Sinhala term ‘Adineethigna’, a title traditionally associated with legal professionals.
Perera’s remarks came in response to the Justice Minister’s allegation that the MP was misleading the public by referring to himself as ‘Adineethigna,’ a designation no longer recognised or officially used in Sri Lanka’s legal profession.
Justice Minister Nanayakkara refuted the claim, emphasising his four years of experience as a State Counsel. “I have never used that title here. I simply asked you to produce the certificate that qualifies you as ‘Adineethigna,’ which you have been using on your websites,” the Minister stated.
Citing Act No. 26 of 2023, MP Perera countered by arguing that the Act recognises two categories of lawyers: Instructing Attorney and Counsel. “Counsel means ‘Adineethigna’. Don’t you understand Sinhala?” Perera retorted, challenging the Minister’s stance.
Perera further alleged that the Justice Minister himself had used the title during his election campaigns, implying a contradiction in the Minister’s position.
In response, Minister Nanayakkara clarified he had only used the designation “Rajaye Adineethigna” (State Counsel) during his tenure and had not used it to mislead voters.
The disagreement escalated, resulting in a tense argument between the two Parliamentarians, drawing significant attention in the chamber.
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