• HC Judges to be expanded to 120, CA to be expanded to 25
• SJB seeks PSC on legal case backlog

The Government is taking measures to increase the number of judges and courts and the facilities provided to the judicial sector. Cabinet Spokesperson Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday (4) that the number of High Court Judges – presently 94 – helming 110 HCs, will be increased to 120. He noted that while applications had been called for 50 magistrates, 33 applications had been received.

He further added that the four vacancies existing in the Court of Appeal would be filled while action would be taken to expand the Court’s membership from 20 to 25 inclusive of the Court’s President. Also, allowances would be considered for judges. Moreover, facilities, specifically transport, would be provided to the Government Analyst’s Department for the provision of night-time services.

The SJB has submitted a proposal to the Speaker of Parliament, Dr Jagath Wickramaratne requesting the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to expedite the resolution of the backlog of cases. According to data from the Justice Ministry, approximately 1.1 million cases are currently pending within Sri Lanka’s judicial system.

In response, a resolution initiated by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa was signed on Monday (3), calling for the appointment of a Special Parliamentary Committee to identify proposals to accelerate the legal process. The resolution was signed by the SJB Parliamentary group led by Premadasa. Accordingly, a group of SJB Parliamentarians led by Premadasa handed over the resolution to the Speaker yesterday.