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Conduct of handful of rotten judges led to erosion of public faith in judiciary, says Justice Minister

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Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapaksha

Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapaksha told Parliament on Wednesday that unethical conduct of a handful of judges had led to erosion of public faith in the judiciary.Speaking after SLPP-dissident Kurunegala District MP Dayasiri Jayasekera raised a privilege issue, Dr. Rajapaksha said that the conduct of some judges had raised concerns and some people blamed him and the government for not acting against such judges with questionable conduct.

“The judges are expected to conduct as per the Latin maxim, Fiat Justitia ruat caelum, which means that ‘Let justice be done though the heavens fall’. There is a serious situation prevailing with regard to the judges in this country right now. Whenever a case is filed the first question the lawyers and other counsels ask in the Chambers is who the judge is. If the judge is not to their liking, they consider the options of whether they could file the same case in another court. There are some instances where the clients of certain lawyers announce in public the judgement to be delivered by the judges on the following date. There are some lawyers who assure the clients of getting certain judgements from the judges and they get the same. Such lawyers can get orders from certain courts against the rulings given by some other courts. This is leading towards an unprecedented crisis in the judiciary and legal profession. People question us how such things happen. They go on blaming the government and the Justice Minister for the misdeeds of these judges. We have no control over them.

There was an instance where two investigations confirmed that a Magistrate living in a bungalow next to the Mount Lavinia court had obtained electricity and water illegally. That was uncovered when another judge complained of this illegal act to the Judicial Service Commission. The Commission sent an electrician to look into the matter and the latter almost got electrocuted. He had to be admitted to the ICU to save his life.

There are some other judges who instruct their colleagues to give bail to those who were produced before the courts by the police for narcotic related offences. We have found evidence that irrespective of the quantity of the drugs, some judges impose paltry sums as fines and some have been given bail even without fines.

There was one instance where a stock of whiskey worth over Rs 200 million went missing from the Colombo Magistrate’s Court’s storeroom. There were police and government analyst investigations. Both investigations concluded that there had been no break-in, but the actual keys had been used to take them away. No action has been taken against those who are responsible by the judges for reasons known only to them.

In the same court, it was found by a new Magistrate that the fingerprint machine recording the attendance of court employees had been tampered with. When questioned by the new judge, the employees responded that it had been the known practice and the former judge had approved of it.

Such misconduct is only on the part of a handful of judges, who have brought their profession into disrepute. For example, among us in this House are some corrupt MPs, but all 225 of us have to face public opprobrium. The same goes for judges. This is a very serious matter and we must find solutions for this without further delay because this situation will lead to unintended consequences,” the Minister said.



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“Let us resolve, with renewed determination to overcome obstacles and build a better and more prosperous nation” -PM

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Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasooriya in her New Year message requested every Sri Lankan to resolve, with renewed determination to overcome obstacles and build a better and more prosperous nation.

The full text of the PM’s message:

“Marking the auspicious transition of the sun from one planet to another, and the arrival of the spring season following the harvest, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrated by the people of Sri Lanka since ancient times, has dawned once again.

The New Year is not merely a festive occasion; it symbolizes a renewal of prosperity, unity, coexistence, and the strengthening of mutual relationships embedded within our cultural values.

On this occasion, I extend my wishes for a peaceful and prosperous Sinhala and Tamil New Year to all Sri Lankans who celebrate this occasion with their families and loved ones, observing customs at the auspicious time.

A unique feature of Sinhala and Tamil New Year is the way an entire nation comes together through a shared set of customs. Despite the demands and challenges of daily life, this season offers a valuable opportunity to move forward with renewed hope as families, communities and a nation.

The true blessing of the New Year lies in setting aside differences and grievances, and embracing a fresh beginning in a spirit of solidarity and goodwill. Especially in the face of ongoing global challenges, the courage, compassion and resilience shown by our people in facing various natural and economic hardships in recent times stand as an example to the world. It is our responsibility to carry forward that collective strength.

At this auspicious moment, I extend my greetings to our fellow Sri Lankans working overseas, who dedicate themselves to securing a better future for their families and for the country. In particular, I extend my thoughts for the safety and well-being of those living in the Middle East during these tumultuous times.

Let us resolve, with renewed determination to overcome obstacles and build a better and more prosperous nation. As we undertake in a significant social and political transformations, we remain committed to striving tirelessly towards a better future.

May this Sinhala and Tamil New Year be blessed with happiness and prosperity!”

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Sun directly overhead Nawaladi, Paranthan, Murasumodai, Vellikkandal, Udapattukkandal, Puliyampokkanei about 12:10 noon today [14]

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On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from the 05th to 15th of April in this year.

The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (14th) are Nawaladi, Paranthan, Murasumodai, Vellikkandal, Udapattukkandal, Puliyampokkanei about 12:10 noon.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.

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Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 13 April 2026, valid for 14 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.


Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

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