The Hon. Ajith P. Perera

¶ 01 Thank you. Please Gazette it with the appointed date effective from the date of passing.

¶ 02 On prisons: conditions are dire. Colombo’s prison lands have long been eyed for commercial projects rather than investment in prison infrastructure. Take Kalutara Prison: buildings are dilapidated, sanitation is abysmal, especially for women; overcrowding is severe. Please give it special attention.

¶ 03 Regarding the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act, No. 25 of 2024: it allows credit for time in custody and during appeal. Due to a delay, about 1,900 convicted appellants pending appeal have not benefited. On 2024.07.01, Cabinet decided to bring a Special Provisions Act (Cabinet Paper No. 24/1131/614/048) to extend the benefit to those previously convicted and appealing. This is just and consistent with policy; please proceed.

¶ 04 Finally, the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Women and Gender (2020.02.18) recommended: abolishing child marriage by fixing a common minimum marriage age of 18; amending defects in the Maintenance Act; and preventing discrimination against children based on parents’ marital status. These are important and implementable.

¶ 05 I wish you success. Also, mediation boards are resolving 60-70% of referrals; they reduce court load and improve social harmony. However, there is a major gap regarding where complaints are lodged and records maintained. I propose each mediation division have an office desk at the Divisional Secretariat with a designated officer to receive complaints and manage records, making it easier for courts, administration and the public.