Judges Webinar: JSC says mandatory participation clause added to prevent wastage

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Justice Ministry on Monday (23) said that the conference/webinar held recently for magistrates was organized by the Sri Lanka Judges' Institute and not by the Judicial Services Commission.

The JSC said that conferences/webinars are organized from time to time and this particular event was organized on "matters relating to judicial proceedings in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic".

The Judicial Services Commission in the clarification in response to MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake's comments to Parliament said the MP had noted: “Section three of the letter states that failure to attend the conference will factor in annual salary increments, selecting for foreign training and in the promotion to higher courts.”

However, the JSC said the letter was based on a 10-year-old draft that was being used to organize similar events over the years.

The statement further notes that conferences & workshops for judges are organized by the Sri Lanka Judges' Institute using public funds, and participants failing to attend these events would be a waste of public funds, and the objective of the event will not be achieved.

The JSC said that section three of the letter was included in the draft letter to confirm attendance and it does not go against the powers vested with the Judicial Services Commission by the constitution.

The Judicial Services Commission said it does not go beyond the powers and tasks vested on the JCS.

The statement adds that the government is not connected to the said event and will not influence the judges or the independence of the judiciary.