Michael Scott has paid tribute to Tanoo Indira Mylvaganam, a close friend and member of the Bermudian and English Bars who died suddenly this month in her London home.

The Sandys North MP met Ms Mylvaganam in the 1970s while studying at London’s Inns of Court School of Law, and the pair remained friends after he returned to Bermuda.

Having collaborated on criminal matters and issues of public and constitutional law, Ms Mylvaganam visited Bermuda to work on a “David vs Goliath” property dispute case, where she was admitted to the Bar under a special practice certificate.

“She was a bright and vivacious woman who loved Bermuda and made many friends here,” said Mr Scott, adding that she visited many times and formed special attachments to legendary lawyer and politician Dame Lois Browne-Evans, as well as lawyer and MP Julian Hall. She paid tribute to the latter at the Supreme Court following his death in 2009, suggesting the Julian Hall Legal Institute be established in his honour.

In 2002, Ms Mylvaganam served as Counsel to the Special Court of Sierra Leone, which was set up to address serious crimes against civilians and UN peacekeepers committed during the country’s decade-long civil war.

Mr Scott and Ms Mylvaganam worked together again on the case of German chef Thomas Hofer, who was paralysed after an accident at Bermuda’s only mental hospital.

“She worked with me very closely on the Hofer case,” he said, “making strategising suggestions and introducing me to Queen’s Counsel to assist us. I was totally grateful for her expertise.” Mr Scott remembered visiting his friend in London on numerous occasions. During his stays in the capital, they would have “very in-depth discussions” on legal matters in both Bermuda and Great Britain.

“Tanoo was full of joie de vivre and had a passion for humanity and justice,” said Mr Scott. “She will be sorely missed and I offer my sincere condolences to her family in London and Sri Lanka.”