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Govt’s first priority to clear backlog of cases in courts – Justice Minister

Published

4 years ago

2020/12/8

By Saman Indrajith

The government’s first priority was to clear the backlog of cases pending in courts for years without leaving the task to another government, Justice Minister Ali Sabry told Parliament yesterday.

Minister Sabry said so when SLPP MP Yadmini Gunawardena asked the Minister whether any action was being taken to promptly provide Sinhala translations of judgments delivered in the superior courts.

The Minister said that there was a delay in hearing cases and he would try to provide Sinhala translations of judgments.

MP Gunawardena said that judgments of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal of Sri Lanka were made available only in the English Language. That was in contrast to the provisions of Article 24 (1) of the Constitution.

On Jan 29, 1937, the then Avissawella MP Philip Gunawardena and Ruwanwella MP Dr. N.M. Perera submitted a motion to Parliament, then known as the National State Assembly and it was passed by 34 to 4 votes to ensure that police investigations and court procedures be conducted in the Sinhala Language, too. It was later implemented by J. R. Jayewardene in the 1940s so that the basic police investigations and lower courts conducted their proceedings in the Sinhala language.

Gunawardena said: “But the proceedings of the Supreme Court and the Appeal Court are still in the English Language. The constitutional provision has been suspended by a gazette notification. Can the Minister of Justice take action to remedy this situation so that the court and judicial process will be much closer to the people?”

Minister Sabry said that he was in agreement with the point raised by the MP in principle. “But there are some practical issues such as lack of human resources and technical facilities. We are in a process of enhancing the facilities provided to courts. In that process, it is not easy to find capable translators. Submissions could be made in the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court in any language. I have seen that submissions are made in Sinhala language, but judgments are delivered only in English. I will discuss this matter with the Judicial Service Commission and see whether they could find a solution.”

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Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts

Published

10 mins ago

2025/04/30

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 29 April 2025, valid for 30 April 2025

The general public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts

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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AKD’s fourth state visit

Published

1 hour ago

2025/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a four-day state visit to Vietnam on 03 May, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. Since the presidential election, President Dissanayake has so far visited India, China and the UAE.

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Sri Lanka-Pakistan bilateral defence dialogue strengthens strategic ties – MoD

Published

1 hour ago

2025/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

AVM Thuyacontha shaking hands with Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif (pic courtesy MoD)

The 5th annual Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue commenced on Monday (April 28) in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking a continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.

The MoD statement: “The Sri Lankan delegation is led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha accompanied by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence Jayantha Edirisinghe. The Pakistani delegation is headed by Lieutenant General (retd.) Muhammad Ali, Secretary Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

In conjunction with the on-going defence dialogue, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha held a side-line meeting yesterday (April 29) with Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

These high-level engagements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation, foster mutual understanding on regional security dynamics and explore opportunities for defence collaboration. Both nations share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect and strategic cooperation. The dialogue reflects the growing importance of partnerships in maintaining stability and promoting peace in the South Asian region.

The three-day dialogue, which concludes today (April 30), is expected to reinforce bilateral defence ties and contribute to broader regional security objectives.