News
AG’s Dept. handicapped by shortage of 600 officers
Dearth of JMOs also causes delays in judicial process
By Saman Indrajith
Justice Minister Ali Sabry PC told Parliament yesterday that a severe shortage of officials in the Attorney General’s Department had been the main cause of delay in completing criminal cases.
Responding to a question by SJB Badulla District MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, the minister said that there was a shortage of around 600 law officers and staff officers in the department.
Minister Sabry said that 50 lawyers would be recruited to the department to strengthen its counselling processes.
He said that he was aware of the fact that people had been facing inconveniences owing to delays.
The Minister said that many reasons had contributed to the delay of cases, one of them being that the country did not have enough courts.
In addition, a dearth of judicial medical officers, their transfers, limited number of officials at the Government Analyst’s Department, the number of cases an officer had to handle a day, and the health conditions of some accused too had contributed to the delays, he said.
The Attorney General too had recommended that observations of the Judicial Services Commission be considered in taking action to prevent laws delays, the Justice Minister said.
The Attorney General had also pointed out that the number of law officers had not been increased while the number of criminal cases was on the rise, the minister said.
Prime Munister Dr Harini Amarasuriya returned to the island this (23rd) morning after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland,
The Sri Lanka Navy successfully conducted a diving operation on 19 Jan 26 to inspect and restore the sluice gate of the Bomburuella Reservoir.
Acting on a request from the Department of Irrigation, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed a specialized diving team from the Western Naval Command, for the urgent requirement.
Through concerted effort, the Navy divers successfully cleared accumulated debris, including a significant quantity of wooden fragments, which had impeded the sluice gate mechanism.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on Wednesday [January 21] on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, engaging with representatives of the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme, and the global private sector.
The Prime Minister met with Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management. During the meeting, she expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the support extended by the European Union and its member states following Cyclone Ditwa. The Prime Minister also briefed the Commissioner on the key findings of the World Bank’s GRADE report and requested continued EU support for Sri Lanka’s development and recovery efforts.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Alexander De Croo, representing the United Nations Development Programme. She expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the United Nations and acknowledged the UN’s support in flood relief and livelihood assistance. The Prime Minister noted that, following the mandate received at the parliamentary election, the government is focused on meeting public expectations through national rebuilding grounded in public trust and good governance. She further reaffirmed the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
In addition, the Prime Minister met with Robert M. Uggla, Chairman of A.P. Moller Holding. The discussion focused on engagement with the private sector and potential areas of collaboration.
These meetings reflected Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with international partners and global stakeholders to support recovery, development, and long-term economic stability.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
PM returns to the island
Navy divers restore sluice gate of Bomburuella Reservoir
Gujarat Giants comfortably overcome sloppy UP Warriorz
After fall from grace, Asalanka aims to bat on for Sri Lanka
PM holds High-Level meetings with EU, UNDP, and corporate leadership at World Economic Forum
Trump withdraws Canada’s invite to join Board of Peace
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