The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Thank you for the opportunity, Hon. Deputy Chairperson.

¶ 02 The Hon. Justice Minister has responded to many of Hon. Ajith P. Perera’s issues. As we both serve in the same court complex—he in Opposition and I on the Government side—I welcome his proposal, and I believe we can consider Panadura’s new court on a priority basis.

¶ 03 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, jurist John Adams said a people’s government is a “government of laws.” A vast majority has mandated us to form a people’s government—a rule of law State. Over past decades, public confidence in the rule of law fell to the ground. We know laws alone will not restore it; we need an exemplary higher judiciary, impartial judges, and dedicated staff across institutions under the Justice and National Integration Ministry. These teams are striving to rebuild trust in justice.

¶ 04 Although Article 12 of the Constitution says all are equal before the law, in practice we know otherwise. Legal advice and representation are expensive. The State has tried to help those unable to afford counsel. The Legal Aid Commission was established by the Legal Aid Law, No. 27 of 1978, and today operates 77 offices across all districts. Access to legal aid is a recognized human right under international covenants. Our law clearly provides that an accused has a right to counsel, and that children—whether witnesses, accused or victims—must receive the State’s fullest support and special facilities. In High Court criminal trials, if a person lacks counsel, the State provides an assigned counsel at State expense so that justice can be pursued with representation.

¶ 05 However, challenges remain. The approved cadre of the Legal Aid Commission is 300, but only 267 serve; 93 vacancies exist. Offices often operate in minimal spaces; for example in Kalutara District—Matugama, Kalutara, Horana and Panadura—facilities are small, yet officers do their best. As a Government, we plan to further expand the network—to Bibile, Kayts, Anamaduwa, Walapane, Gampola and Ruwanwella court areas.

¶ 06 We also recognize that poverty, ignorance and inequality drive crime and social ills. A State that fails to ensure a living wage commits a graver wrong than an individual who commits murder, in my view. This Budget allocates for the highest-ever public sector pay increase.

¶ 07 There are workers in luxury restaurants who cannot afford to feed their own child from that restaurant. The humiliation and inequalities they suffer push people towards crime, drugs and vice. Our democratic Budget aims to treat the root causes—economic disparities—rather than merely expanding prisons or rehab centres.

¶ 08 Yesterday, when Hon. Nizam Kariapper raised concerns that some lawyers abet crime, the President’s remarks were not aimed at all lawyers, nor at any single Member. As a lawyer, I must state: this was not a blanket attack on the profession. There are many honourable practitioners who uphold its dignity; at the same time there are some who do not. That was the understanding behind the President’s comment. With that clarification, I conclude. Thank you.