The Hon. Bhagya Sri Herath, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity. Many constructive proposals were presented today to strengthen the justice system and national unity. The Ministry’s vision is a legal system trusted by the people, a just Sri Lanka, and an efficient judicial service. However, many such ideas in the past were not implemented. Our Government of the National People’s Power is committed to establishing a strong, efficient justice system.

¶ 02 A strong justice system is not merely about speedily finishing cases and punishing offenders. Consider the special High Court in Anuradhapura dedicated to sexual offences against children under 16. While convictions are expedited, new offenders continue to emerge. If crimes continue tomorrow despite swift punishment today, the broader system is failing. The judiciary is intertwined with society; public trust has eroded, and over 1.1 million cases are reportedly pending.

¶ 03 This is not solely due to judicial inefficiency; societal breakdown manifests within the justice system. Therefore, we must discuss the justice system alongside broader social issues. It is often said that the poor go to prison and the rich do not. That stems from a toxic political culture set over time. We are dismantling that culture and establishing a better political culture, under which we can develop the justice system and national unity.

¶ 04 Digitalization is critical. Many Opposition proposals on digitalization are welcome; the Minister has already initiated steps. Digitalization is the best tool to enhance credibility. Delays are often due not to lawyer skill but to poor investigations, lack of technology, and absence of reliable data systems, undermining credibility. With a sound political culture and capable teams, we can improve the system. Thank you.