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Sri Lankan-Australian lawyers’ member group established
A new association for Australian lawyers of Sri Lankan heritage has been established to bring together over 300 practitioners under one umbrella and, among other things, promote diversity in the legal profession.
Jerome Doraisamy
Speaking to Lawyers Weekly, Melbourne-based barrister Surane Fonseka (pictured) said the Sri Lankan Australian Lawyers’ Association (SLALA) is an “association for lawyers and law students of Sri Lankan heritage living in Australia, this includes Sri Lankans by birth and by ancestry” that “was established to bring over 300 lawyers in Victoria and lawyers practicing throughout Australia under one umbrella, so that we could help each other”.
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Its goals, Mr Fonseka said, include having meaningful networking opportunities between different professions that are part of the legal solution, such as the medical profession, emergency professionals, accountants, police and judiciary.
The group also strives to offer a “strong and informed voice” on issues that matter to its membership, strengthening community involvement and fostering relationships with a variety of professions that operate in the community, promoting competence, ethical conduct and professionalism as well as pro bono and public service opportunities.
Addressing the lack of diversity in the legal profession will also be a point of focus for SLALA, he added.
“We as a nation have embraced multiculturalism, diversity and pluralism. However, diversity is not adequately represented in the legal profession and especially in the judiciary. As I understand, there is only one person from Sri Lankan heritage appointed to the judiciary in Victoria. In addition, you do not see many from the Sri Lankan background in leadership positions, in government service or otherwise,” he espoused.
“This is not because they are not qualified or competent at all. I believe, this applies to other communities too. Even at the Victorian Bar, you will notice there are only a handful of barristers of Sri Lankan heritage. This has to change very fast, because it is long overdue.”
The government is aware of the lack of diversity in such positions, Mr Fonseka ceded, with some recent judicial appointments aiming to rectify this.
“However, it is way short of the number of appointments that is required to classify that as an adequate or fair representation of the minorities. Merely appointing one or two to deflect attention is not enough. There has to be a fair representation of the minorities,” he said.
As a result, SLALA must be there to advocate greater representation across the board in the legal profession, he concluded.
“It is imperative that leaders and non-leaders of Sri Lankan heritage (lawyers and non-lawyers) share their knowledge with the others. SLALA will be that platform and meeting place, for everyone to come together, share their knowledge and help each other.”
