The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law (Minister of Justice)
Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara said the Government is reviewing an increase to coroners’ allowances, while noting the post is a dignified public office rather than an income-generating role. He emphasized that the Judicial Service Commission is constitutionally independent under Article 111, that its decisions cannot be influenced by the Government, and that any grievances should be challenged through writ proceedings rather than unfounded public allegations. He also acknowledged prison overcrowding concerns, citing ongoing facility work including at Pallansena and the recruitment of 1,080 prison officers, while rejecting claims that magistrates act out of fear.
Verbatim record (translated)
Machine-translated from Sinhala / Tamil / English¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, briefly: Some points by Hon. Chamara Sampath are valid. On coroners’ allowances, we are discussing an increase. However, coroners accept a dignified office knowing it is not an income-generating post; I do not think they are gravely prejudiced, but we are reviewing the allowance.
¶ 02 Second, with respect, you may have misunderstood the role of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Under Article 111 of the Constitution, it is an independent commission. We cannot comment on or influence its decisions. Challenging JSC decisions without basis is an offence carrying up to three years’ imprisonment. You are protected today by parliamentary privilege; outside you would be liable. Judicial officers who were removed were proceeded against after due inquiries. Such decisions issue through the JSC Secretary; they can be challenged by writ in court; none have done so.
¶ 03 On prisons: your points on congestion are correct. We have begun work, including facilities in places like Pallansena. We are recruiting 1,080 new prison officers. Magistrates are not “afraid.” Some information brought to you is inaccurate.
¶ 04 Thank you.
Provenance
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- Hansard, Monday, 17 November 2025 ·No. 22912 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
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Cite as: The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law (Minister of Justice). 10th Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka. Hansard, 17 November 2025. No. 22912. Politick, https://staging.politick.io/lk/speeches/2556