The Hon. Sarath Kumara, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 [2.10 p.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, today’s debate concerns Amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, No. 15 of 1979. While the previous speaker dwelt on party vote growth, the subject today is criminal procedure reforms. We challenge them instead to show they can form even one council—they cannot; the public has rejected them.

¶ 03 On the matter he raised—salt shortages—this issue is being addressed. Let us focus on the Bill. These Amendments are significant steps towards the rule of law that our people mandated us to deliver. We are rapidly restoring lawful order.

¶ 04 In the past, suspects could not be safely transported to court; courts and highways faced violent disruptions fueled by those who armed the underworld. Today, we are changing that. These Amendments modernize criminal justice. Notably, courts may excuse the personal presence of an accused or suspect under specified circumstances—important where credible life threats exist or where presence would disrupt proceedings or public order, or where health or rehabilitation needs arise—while ensuring the trial proceeds, including through remote means.

¶ 05 Witnesses may give evidence via audio-visual links from outside court, easing burdens. Expert evidence can be transmitted electronically. Given shortages of Judicial Medical Officers, Government Analysts, and academic experts, enabling e-transmission of reports and e-mail communications will reduce delays. These measures, alongside digitization, will curtail chronic postponements and increase efficiency across the justice system.

¶ 06 Past rulers abused the law—remember the impeachment of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake under a “jungle law” process. Those who ran such processes now lecture us on rule of law. We, with a broad public mandate, are committed to an economy strengthened and a country governed under the rule of law—hence these steady legislative reforms. The Opposition shows little interest, often leaving the Chamber during important debates. Their aim is power by misleading the public; the public has rejected that.

¶ 07 In sum, these Amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure mark a significant advance for our criminal justice system and for the people.

¶ 08 Thank you.