Faster Investigations Are Making Some Nervous : Nalinda

COLOMBO (News 1st); Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says certain opposition groups have become unsettled as the government moves to enforce the law more effectively and accelerate reforms across the justice sector.

The Minister said the government has already taken several measures to expedite legal proceedings and address the large number of pending cases in courts across the country.

Speaking on the matter, Dr. Jayatissa noted that Sri Lanka currently faces a significant backlog of court cases, which has undermined public confidence in the justice system.

"There are around 1.1 million cases pending before various courts across the country. In some High Courts, if a case is heard in January, the next hearing date may not be fixed until November or December. As a result, cases drag on for years. Under such circumstances, people find it difficult to move forward with confidence. This situation must be addressed," he said.

The Minister stated that the government is implementing extensive reforms not only within the judiciary but also in institutions connected to the administration of justice.

"We identified a number of issues. One of the major problems was the serious delay in reports being submitted by the Government Analyst's Department. There were numerous vacancies, and recruitment has already taken place, while further recruitment is continuing. Some of the newly recruited officers have already begun training. As a result, Government Analyst reports are now being processed more quickly."

He added that recruitment efforts have also been accelerated at the Attorney General's Department and through the Judicial Service Commission in a bid to improve efficiency within the justice system.

Dr. Jayatissa also highlighted ongoing reforms within the prison system, pointing to severe overcrowding in correctional facilities.

"Prisons that were designed to accommodate around 10,000 inmates are currently housing nearly 41,000. These numbers do not increase without reason. When drug traffickers, thieves and organised criminals are arrested and remanded, they have to be accommodated within the prison system. Therefore, new prisons are being built, temporary facilities are being established, existing buildings are being expanded, new infrastructure is being constructed and additional equipment is being provided. Recruitment is also taking place within the prison service."

According to the Minister, the government's efforts to accelerate investigations, court proceedings and law enforcement have caused concern among a section of political actors.

"A small group has become uneasy about these developments. That is not surprising. If you look at the nature of those who are concerned, you will see that their criticism is directed mainly at those conducting investigations. They target the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Bribery Commission, the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, the Secretary to the Ministry responsible for Police, the Solicitor General of the Attorney General's Department and even members of the judiciary."

"When their cases begin to move forward, when investigations gather pace and when legal proceedings are expedited, that is when they become nervous," he said.