President Defends 22A, Says It Will Deliver Faster Justice for Sri Lankans

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Wednesday (26) defended the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment, stressing that the reform is being introduced solely to ensure justice for the people and accelerate the country's judicial process.

The President also reiterated that his government would not take any decision that could be detrimental to the public, assuring citizens that all policy decisions are carefully evaluated before implementation.

President Dissanayake made these remarks while addressing the National Milad-un-Nabi observation.

Responding to concerns and criticism surrounding the proposed constitutional amendment, the President said there was an ongoing effort to create controversy around the reform, but insisted that its primary objective was to improve the delivery of justice and strengthen public confidence in the legal system.

"I act with unwavering faith in the strength and power of the people of this country. I ensure that neither I nor my government will take any decision or action that causes even the slightest injustice to the people," the President said.

He emphasized that the proposed amendment is intended to expedite judicial proceedings and create a more effective legal framework capable of delivering timely justice.

"The purpose of this Constitutional Amendment is entirely focused on accelerating the process of delivering justice to our people and improving society through justice. I assure you that none of these measures will cause any harm to the general public. There will be absolutely no injustice," he stated.

Highlighting concerns over delays within the court system, President Dissanayake questioned how citizens could maintain trust in the justice system when cases remain unresolved for years.

"If a case filed in 2006 receives a judgment only in 2026, or if a case filed in 2017 goes nine years without even a single witness being heard, how can people maintain confidence in justice? That confidence cannot exist under such circumstances," he said.

He further emphasized that decisions taken in the interest of the people would not be reversed simply because of criticism or opposition.

"Regardless of the minor opposition or criticism that may arise, I assure you that no decision taken on behalf of the people will be reversed. Before any decision is made, we carefully consider every possible advantage, disadvantage and external factor. We examine every dimension before arriving at a decision. Once a decision has been taken, it will not be reversed," he said.

At the same time, the President stressed that his administration remains open to correcting shortcomings if they emerge.

"If there are weaknesses in any decision we make, we will never hesitate to correct them. This is a government that listens to the voice of the people at all times," President Dissanayake added.