System-Wide Changes Needed to End Delays in Justice

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has reiterated that the proposed extension of the retirement age of judges is only one component of a much broader effort to strengthen Sri Lanka's justice sector, outlining an ambitious programme aimed at improving investigations, increasing judicial capacity and accelerating court proceedings.

Addressing representatives of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, the President said meaningful reform of the justice system requires strengthening every institution connected to law enforcement, investigations and prosecutions.

"First, our investigative process must be strengthened. I expect the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption to establish 24 branch offices across the country."

The President said approval has already been granted to recruit 373 officers for the expanded anti-corruption network.

"Approval has already been granted to recruit 373 officers for that purpose. In addition, I have discussed with the Management Services authorities and obtained approval to place these investigators on a salary scale higher than that of the ordinary public service because the investigative function of the Commission must be strengthened."

President Dissanayake also highlighted significant challenges facing Sri Lanka Police, pointing to severe manpower shortages despite growing responsibilities.

"The Police also faces major challenges. The approved police cadre is around 102,000, but there are only about 72,000 officers currently serving. Of those, nearly 4,000 are not engaged in uniformed duties due to medical reasons. In reality, around 68,000 officers are carrying out the work of a force that should number 102,000."

He noted that police officers have become one of the most overburdened groups within the public sector.

"Police officers have become one of the most overburdened groups in the country. Last year alone, around 1,100 police officers died while in service. Many of them work 18 to 20 hours a day."

To address these shortages, the President said the Government has decided to undertake one of the largest recruitment drives in recent years.

"That is why we are recruiting an additional 10,000 police officers. We are also taking steps to modernise the service, including improvements to uniforms and the provision of advanced technological equipment."

The President also drew attention to difficulties within the Attorney General's Department, particularly the departure of experienced legal officers.

"There are also issues within the Attorney General's Department. Experienced and highly capable legal officers are leaving. We have already received approval to recruit another 50 officers."

He said reforms are also being considered to address weaknesses in the promotion system and improve incentives for legal professionals.

"There are weaknesses in the promotion process as well. Discussions have already begun to reform that system. In particular, legal officers involved in corporate litigation receive allowances, and I am of the view that those allowances should be increased. Without providing competitive remuneration, it will be difficult to attract and retain high-quality legal officers within the Attorney General's Department."

Responding to questions on whether extending the retirement age of judges would genuinely contribute to expediting court proceedings, President Dissanayake said the proposal must be considered alongside a wider strategy to increase judicial capacity across the country.

"There is already a constitutional provision allowing the Court of Appeal to sit at provincial level. At present, the Court of Appeal operates centrally, but it can also function in the provinces. To facilitate that, we have proposed increasing the number of judges by four."

The President noted that large numbers of cases remain pending before the High Courts and that infrastructure expansion is necessary to address the backlog.

"A large number of cases have accumulated in the High Courts. We have identified around ten districts and approximately eleven locations where major new courthouses need to be constructed."

According to the President, increasing the number of courts will also require an expansion in the number of judges.

"If we are to build eleven new High Courts, we must also increase the number of High Court judges. Therefore, we have decided to increase the present number to approximately 120."

He explained that creating additional High Court positions would also improve promotion opportunities throughout the judicial system.

"As new High Courts are established, those positions will be filled, and Magistrates will no longer have to wait years for promotion to the High Court. Promotions will move through the system more efficiently."

President Dissanayake further revealed that the Judicial Service Commission is already engaged in a recruitment process to strengthen the Magistrates' Courts.

"At the Magistrates’ Court level, the Judicial Service Commission is already taking steps to recruit 50 new judges. I cannot determine whether the interview process is suitable or not, but the commission has the right to select those whom it considers qualified. That is precisely what independence means."

The President maintained that extending the retirement age of judges should not be viewed in isolation, arguing that it forms part of a comprehensive effort to modernise Sri Lanka's justice system, strengthen investigative institutions, increase judicial capacity and ultimately reduce delays that have long affected court proceedings across the country.