'We Are Implementing What Was Recommended': Minister Responds to Geneva Concerns

COLOMBO (News 1st): Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath says Sri Lanka has provided a detailed response to questions raised by the United Nations Human Rights Council regarding ongoing judicial reforms, including the proposed extension of the tenure of judges.

The Minister made the remarks during an appearance on Pathikada, the current affairs programme broadcast on Sirasa TV.

Responding to a question regarding concerns raised over the extension of judges' service periods within Sri Lanka's judicial system, Herath confirmed that the issue had been raised by international human rights mechanisms and had been addressed by the Government.

According to the Minister, Sri Lanka's Special Rapporteur in Geneva had sought clarification on the matter, and the Government subsequently provided a comprehensive explanation.

Herath noted that the issue of delays within Sri Lanka's judicial system is not new and recalled that in 2016 a United Nations Special Rapporteur visited Sri Lanka specifically to examine concerns relating to delays in court proceedings and the resulting impact on citizens seeking justice.

He stated that the UN representative spent six days in Sri Lanka assessing the situation and later submitted recommendations aimed at strengthening the country's justice system.

Among those recommendations were proposals to increase the number of courts, strengthen the Attorney General's Department, reduce delays in obtaining forensic and analytical reports, and improve both the number and capacity of judicial officers.

According to the Minister, the reforms currently being pursued by the Government are intended to address those longstanding concerns and are consistent with recommendations previously made by international experts.

He explained that one component of the broader reform process is the proposal to extend the service period of judges by an additional two years, which the Government believes will help improve efficiency and reduce delays within the justice system.

The Minister further stated that when the matter was raised by the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Sri Lanka provided a clear response explaining that the measures now being implemented are in line with recommendations that had previously been encouraged by international human rights mechanisms themselves.