Category: Legal
Committee on demarcation of jurisdiction proposes to establish new Courts & increase Judges
The Committee appointed to review demarcation of jurisdiction and to increase the number of Courts presented its report to the Minister of Justice Ali Sabry on Thursday, at the Ministry of Justice. The report of the committee headed by Justice Mahinda Samayawardhena, Judge of the Supreme Court, includes proposals for increasing the number of Courts […]
New Supreme Court Judge and New President of Court of Appeal sworn in
The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Arjuna Obeysekera, was sworn in as a Supreme Court Judge before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (14). Court of Appeal Judge Priyantha Fernando was sworn in as the new President of the Court of Appeal and former High Court Judge Shashi Mahendra was […]
Sanjay Rajaratnam sworn in as new Attorney General
President’s Counsel Sanjay Rajaratnam was sworn in as the new Attorney General before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat, today (26). Sanjaya Rajaratnam is the 48th Attorney General of Sri Lanka.He has been serving the Attorney General’s Department for the last 34 years, he went onto hold the post of Senior State Counsel, Deputy […]
Serious concerns linger about new Colombo Port City Law: Transparency International
On the 20th of May 2021, the Parliament of Sri Lanka passed the Colombo Port City Economic Bill into law. Two days prior to the vote on the Bill, the Speaker of Parliament revealed to the members of Parliament and the general public the determination given by the Supreme Court of the Country with regard […]
Certain clauses in Port City Bill inconsistent with Constitution: SC (Full Determination)
Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena informed Parliament today that some clauses in the Port City Economic Commission Bill are inconsistent with the Constitution and can be passed through a special majority and a referendum. The Supreme Court, however, determined that these clauses can be passed only if amended. The decision of the Supreme Court was handed […]
United States funds Training Center & Case File System for Attorney General’s Department
With support from the United States, the Attorney General’s Department inaugurated a state-of-the-art training center and launched an electronic system to track cases and legal files. These tools will strengthen the ability of justice sector professionals to uphold the rule of law in Sri Lanka. “Around the world, U.S. assistance has helped strengthen access to […]
Bar Association requests Government to defer further action on Port City Commission Bill
The Executive Committee of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) requests the Government to defer further action on the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill until the views of all stakehołders including the public are sought and given due consideration. On 08 April 2021, just fifteen (15) calendar days after the publication of the […]
BASL expresses serious concern about violent & brutal nature of certain Police Officers
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) expresses serious concern about the recent reports of incidents involving the use of force by certain Police Officers and the violent and brutal nature of the force used. The BASL is firmly of the view that the use of force should not be used under any circumtances except […]
Saliya Pieris elected as 26th President of Bar Association of Sri Lanka
The Election to select the 26th President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka concluded yesterday with Saliya Pieris, PC being declared the winner having secured 5,162 votes against 2,807 votes secured by Kuvera De Zoysa, PC. Saliya Pieris, PC secured 2,416 Votes from the Colombo Zone and 2,746 Votes from the other Branches whilst […]
Agreement signed with ICTA to digitize entire judicial system in Sri Lanka
The Ministry of Justice, the Judicial Services Commission and the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) jointly initiated a program to digitize the entire judicial system in Sri Lanka. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed today (11.02.2021) at the Ministry of Justice. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by 2021.This […]
Eran says functions of Judiciary has been taken over by the Executive
The current problem of the country is nothing with the laws and Statutes but with the governance where the executive has taken over the functions of the judiciary said Eran Wicramaratna M.P of Samagi Jana Balavegaya. Addressing a press briefing at the Leader of the Oppositions office on Sunday, Wickramaratna said that the Presidential Commission […]
President appoints 18-member De-Regulation Commission to simplify existing laws
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed a 18-member De-Regulation Commission for the Simplification of the Existing Laws and Regulations in the interest of the people. The Commission is co-chaired by former Secretary to the President and Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Chairman of John Keells Group Krishan Balendra. Other members of the Commission […]