The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 In fact, the Court Automation Programme started as a UNDP project, but it was halted midway. It is difficult to find the exact reason. Now, with UNDP’s assistance again, we have restarted the Court Automation Programme. After our Government assumed office, we appointed a committee under Justice Obeysekere, and accordingly the project has now recommenced. There was a delay. It started before our Government and stopped midway. The rest is now being carried forward.

¶ 02 Let me also answer your second supplementary.

¶ 03 You are absolutely correct there. I am so glad that you asked that question and I am very happy to answer that. As an Attorney-at-Law, you know the limitations of a Minister of Justice; I am unable to give commands or orders to the Judiciary since it is an independent institution. However, I have brought this issue to the notice of the Judicial Service Commission. I have prepared a letter to send them and have also spoken to the Judicial Service Commission. They are now looking into the matter. There is a general sentiment among the profession. I should not criticize or say anything wrong against a judge because that is a disciplinary matter. If they have to, the JSC will look into the matter.

¶ 04 Also, I have asked the prison authorities to carry out an investigation as to what happened to that person. So far, the final report has not come, but provisionally, I feel there had been an altercation between him and some other inmates. Anyway, I am not going to give a final answer on that because they are supposed to investigate. But, I am fully with you on that matter. I cannot tell you everything I told the JSC, but I did bring the matter to the attention of the JSC, and I believe the JSC would take appropriate action in that regard.

¶ 05 (Placed in the Library.)