Prime Minister says justice must be accessible to all without discrimination

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament yesterday (24) that establishing the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice are among the Government’s key commitments. She stressed that justice must be accessible to all without discrimination.

The Prime Minister said the proposed constitutional amendment should be considered as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening the justice system. She noted that measures have been taken to improve independent investigations, strengthen the Police and CID, address vacancies in the justice sector, increase court capacity and introduce technological support.

She said the proposed amendment would also enable the establishment of Courts of Appeal in provinces where required, while increasing the retirement age of judges across the board without targeting any individual judge or court.

The Prime Minister stressed that the amendment would not grant special powers to the Executive over the Judiciary or alter the existing balance of power among the institutions of government.