The Law Society says it appears the Sri Lankan government wants no discussion on human rights and the rule of law.
A meeting of more than 200 lawyers and diplomats discussing those topics was cancelled last week after the Sir Lankan government revoked visas for speakers attending the conference.
Law Society president Chris Moore said on Wednesday the society is condemning the Sri Lankan government's refusal to recognise the rule of law.
"It seems pretty obvious, that it was done for political reasons. Simply, the powers-that-be there clearly did not want any open debate on those issues."
Mr Moore says the conference, which was to take place ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting last week, has not been rescheduled anywhere else.
