The Legal Division is entrusted with responsibilities relating to law reform and the formulation of new legislation in conformity with international standards and government policies pertaining to the administration of justice. The Division specially undertakes the task of formulating policy decisions and coordinating all necessary measures leading up to the enactment of such legislative drafts in Parliament and the publication of law reports. Furthermore, the Division is involved in addressing legal matters relating to the general public and in obtaining Parliamentary approval for rules, orders, and regulations issued under the relevant statutes.
Another important aspect of the Division’s role involves the formulation and execution of activities under the Acts which legally designate the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice as the Central Authority. This includes taking necessary measures in connection with applications for mutual assistance in criminal matters, activities related to the prevention of international child abduction, and procedures concerning the transfer of offenders.
The Division also deals with a wide range of matters arising under international conventions, coordinating such functions through various dimensions.
Functions of the Legal Division
- Takig measures for passing bills in Parliament.
- Working on printing and distributing Sri Lanka Law Reports
- Execution of International Conventions
- 3.1 Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction Act no.10 of 2001
- 3.2 Matters related to Transfer of Offenders Act no.05 of 1995
- 3.3 Addressing the applications submitted under Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act no 25 of 2002
- 3.4 The matters related to the summons issued by courts in Sri Lanka to defendants / witnesses in foreign countries
- 3.5 The matters related to the summons issued by foreign courts to defendants / witnesses in Sri Lanka
- 3.6 Making arrangements for taking evidences from witnesses in foreign Countries as per the Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act no.10 of 2023 through Sri Lankan embassies/ Consular General Offices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Coordination of committees appointed to define and specify the functions and responsibilities arising under various Acts.
- Implementation of activities pertaining to the demarcation of judicial zones and establishment of new courts.
- Matters related to the Service Agreements within the institutions.
- Applications made to the Legal Division as per the Right to Information Act.
- Achieving National Development Goals on Goal 16 on sustainable development.
- Activities related to Parliament questions and 27(2) Standing Order, that relates to the Legal Division.
- Preparing observations pertaining to the reports concerning Sri Lanka by United Nations Organization and other Organizations to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Preparation of Observations for the Hon. Minister on other Ministry Cabinet Memorandums.
