Justice must be accessible to all without discrimination: PM
– Justice must be accessible to all without discrimination, while establishing the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice remain among the Government’s key commitments, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said today.
Addressing Parliament today (24), the Prime Minister said the proposed constitutional amendment on the judiciary should be considered as part of a broader program to strengthen the justice system.She stressed that improving access to justice could not be achieved through a single constitutional amendment or by reforming one institution alone, but required comprehensive reforms across the justice system.The Prime Minister said steps had been taken over the past two years to strengthen independent investigations and improve the capacity of the Police and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to conduct investigations fairly and impartially. Measures had also been introduced to improve impartiality in recruitment, promotions and appointments.
She said the Government was also working to improve the efficiency of the justice system by filling vacancies, increasing opportunities for hearings, directing resources towards courts with heavy caseloads, introducing technological support and providing additional staff.
The Government Analyst’s Department, which has faced longstanding vacancies contributing to delays in investigations, was also being strengthened, she said.According to the Prime Minister, the proposed constitutional amendment would allow Courts of Appeal to be established in provinces where necessary, thereby improving access to justice for people outside Colombo.She said delays in justice had affected the lives of ordinary citizens while also benefiting an elite, as prolonged investigations and legal proceedings had contributed to a cycle in which accountability was weakened whenever governments changed.
Responding to criticism of the proposed amendment, Dr. Amarasuriya said the proposal to increase the retirement age of judges applied across the board and was not aimed at any particular judge or court.She cited international examples, noting that the United Kingdom increased the judicial retirement age from 70 to 75 in 2021, while Hong Kong increased it from 65 to 70 in 2019.The Prime Minister also rejected concerns that the amendment would give the Executive special powers over the Judiciary or alter the balance of power among the institutions of government.
She said the amendment should therefore be debated in the context of the Government’s broader efforts to strengthen the independence, efficiency and accessibility of the justice system.Dr. Amarasuriya also said growing public confidence in the possibility of building stronger institutions and a more accountable system of governance was an indication of the transformation taking place in the country.
She cited the response of young people following the recent railway strike, including those who purchased additional tickets after services resumed, as a small but meaningful indication of a growing sense of responsibility towards public institutions.