“Old Politics Used Differences to Divide People. Our Challenge Is to Use Those Differences to Build a Country Where People Understand One Another”

“In Recent Elections, People Rejected the Old Political Ideology of Consolidating Power by Creating Divisions Based on Race, Religion and Language”

– Minister of Justice and National Integration says

Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, made these remarks while participating in an event organised by the Department of Official Languages to mark International Translation Day 2026, held this morning (30) at the premises of the Department of Official Languages.

Speaking further, the Minister of Justice and National Integration stated,

“Today, we have gathered not merely to commemorate another international day. We are speaking today about a very important profession that builds communication among people, creates bridges between cultures and, ultimately, helps bind a country together. That profession is translation.

A translator can simply be described as a person who transfers a word from one language to another. However, a translator performs a much greater task than that. Translators do not merely carry words from one person to another; they convey ideas, experiences and cultures. In some instances, they enable a person’s rights, sorrow, happiness or hopes to be accurately heard and understood by another person.

In many instances throughout our country’s recent history, politics has used this diversity not to bring people together, but to divide them.

We have witnessed instances where race, religion and language, instead of simply being aspects of people’s identity, have been turned into tools for gaining political power. We have witnessed a form of politics that created divisions between ‘us’ and ‘them’ in order to strengthen political support.

However, in the recent elections, the people of Sri Lanka have made a very important decision. They did not merely reject several political leaders; they also rejected the old political ideology of consolidating power by creating divisions based on race, religion and language.

We must understand this mandate carefully. The message from the people is: ‘I need my identity. My religion is important to me. My language is important to me. But none of these should make another person my enemy.’

Therefore, our country needs a new political culture—a politics that is not based on racism or religious divisions and that respects different cultures. Our objective is not to erase the differences among people, but to build a country where people can live together despite their differences. Language has an extremely important role to play in this journey.

We often say that public services must be brought closer to the people. However, public services do not become closer to the people merely by taking an office to a village. The State must communicate with people in a language they understand.

A farmer should be able to understand documents relating to his or her land. A citizen who goes to the police should be able to make a complaint in his or her own language. A mother who goes to a hospital should be able to understand the medical advice given regarding her sick child. An ordinary citizen who visits a government office should have the ability to obtain the required service in his or her own language.

The translator removes the communication barrier between the State and the citizen. Therefore, I do not view the programmes introduced by the Department of Official Languages during the past year as separate projects. When considered together, they reflect a single vision—the vision of bringing the State closer to the people through language.

One of the important programmes initiated during the past year under this vision is ‘Language for Religious Harmony.’

Of the 25 approved translator positions at the Department of Official Languages, 17 had remained vacant for a long period. Recruitment had not taken place since 2019.

In particular, I do not view these 17 appointments merely as the filling of 17 vacancies. I see them as the opening of 17 new doors for citizens who may otherwise become distanced from the State due to language barriers.

The politics of our country is changing. Old politics used differences to divide people. Our challenge is to use those differences to build a country where people understand one another.

In that journey, the role of the translator is by no means a minor one. You do not merely translate words. You help the State communicate with the people, bring the voice of the people to the State, and build bridges between cultures.”

The Minister also presented letters of appointment to 17 newly recruited translators to the Department of Official Languages. In addition, three translators were honoured for carrying out translation assignments entrusted to them by the Department of Official Languages. Prizes and certificates were also presented to university students who participated in a competition conducted among students following special degree programmes in Translation Studies.

The keynote address for International Translation Day was delivered by veteran translator Mr. Gamini Viyangoda.

The Commissioner General of Official Languages, Mr. Tilak Nandana Hettiarachchi, and Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, Mr. Samantha Wijesinghe, also addressed the occasion.

A meeting between the Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, and the newly appointed Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Federative Republic of Brazil, Mr. Jorge Geraldo Kadri, was held this morning (28) at the Ministry of Justice and National Integration.

During the meeting, Ambassador Kadri expressed his views on strengthening the longstanding friendship between the two countries, further enhancing bilateral relations, strengthening business and export activities, promoting good governance, and finding bilateral solutions to issues of mutual concern.

Minister Harshana Nanayakkara briefed the Ambassador on the measures being taken to transform Sri Lanka’s traditional case-file-based judicial process into a modern, efficient and digitally empowered justice system through the nationwide programme for the digitalisation of the country’s judicial system. The Minister also briefed the Ambassador on ongoing legal reforms.

As part of the island-wide programme to digitalise Sri Lanka’s court system under the “e-Courts” Project, implemented under the Judicial Service Commission, steps have been taken to introduce electronic filing systems suited to cases heard in all District Courts.

As part of this initiative, the Hon. Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena inspected this afternoon (23 September) the case-filing system introduced for the Small Claims Court of the Additional District Court, Colombo 07, where the electronic filing facility has been introduced for the first time.

Marking an important milestone in the digital transformation of Sri Lanka’s justice sector, the Judicial Service Commission has introduced an electronic case filing (e-Filing) facility at the Colombo District Court.

The island-wide programme to digitalise the court system, implemented under the “e-Courts” Project of the Judicial Service Commission, represents an important step towards transforming the traditional case-file-based judicial process into a modern, efficient system empowered by digital technology.

As one component of this initiative, the electronic filing system has been developed to accommodate all cases heard before District Courts. The facility has been introduced for the first time for Small Claims cases at the Colombo District Court. It is expected that the facility will be rapidly expanded in stages to other categories of cases and to courts located outside Colombo.

These digital systems have been developed under the direct guidance and supervision of the Hon. Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, while the technical development of the system has been carried out by Sri Lanka Telecom in collaboration with the Judicial Service Commission.

Marking the commencement of electronic filing for cases before the Colombo Small Claims Court, Senior Counsel Ms. Shirani Gunawardena submitted the first electronic case file to the Small Claims Court at the Colombo District Court.

Accordingly, all attorneys-at-law registered with the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka will be able to access their user accounts through the Colombo District Court website and make use of this facility.

The Colombo District Court website can be accessed through

https://colombo.districtcourt.lk

The new system enables attorneys-at-law and litigants to submit court documents electronically and provides a facility to file cases and related documents 24 hours a day. This will reduce the need to physically visit the court solely for the purpose of submitting documents.

The system is also expected to significantly reduce the use of paper and associated costs, minimise the physical space required for storing case records, and improve the efficiency and transparency of judicial proceedings, as well as the accessibility of information relating to cases.

As a further step towards the technological modernisation of judicial proceedings under the e-Courts Project, facilities for voice typing for recording court proceedings are also scheduled to be introduced shortly. A range of additional facilities, including the online issuance of certified copies of court proceedings, will also be made available through the websites established for individual courts.

Reflecting the commitment and support of the legal profession towards this programme, Senior Counsel have donated 15 computers to the Colombo District Court. This contribution further highlights the importance of the digitalisation programme and the benefits it is expected to provide to the legal profession and the general public in the future.

Under this digitalisation project, plans are in place to provide every court with a dedicated website through which information relating to cases heard at that particular court can be accessed, together with a case-file management system and electronic case-filing facilities, during the course of this year.

The Hon. Chief Justice joined a field inspection visit to the Colombo Small Claims Court today and observed the activities related to the implementation of the electronic case-filing facility.

The Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, other officials, and Hon. Judges of the Colombo District Court also participated in the occasion.

The handing over of computers to support the electronic facilities of the Colombo Small Claims Court was also conducted under the patronage of the Hon. Chief Justice.

The following Senior Legal Counsel expressed their views regarding the island-wide programme to digitalise the court system:

1. Senior Legal Counsel Ms. Shirani Gunawardena
2. Senior Legal Counsel Ms. Anoma Gunathilaka

 “No Previous Government Had the Will to Expedite the Disposal of Cases”

“These Amendments Are Not Intended to Establish Authoritarianism or Suppression, but to Hear Cases Expeditiously and Ensure Justice and Fairness for the People”

                                                                                               – Justice Minister tells Parliament-

Justice and National Integration Minister, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, made these remarks this morning (24) while presenting the 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill to Parliament for their Second Reading.

The Minister further stated:

“Our Government has now completed two years in office. The people are aware that we are a government that acts according to the mandate given by them. Our policy statement, ‘A Wealthy Country – A Beautiful Life’, sets out the fundamental principles upon which the justice and legal systems should operate: equal and fair protection of the law, transparency and efficiency, independence, and public confidence. We made a commitment to the people that the judicial system would be administered based on these principles. These Bills represent one part of fulfilling that commitment.

Hon. Speaker, making the judiciary efficient alone is not sufficient to establish the rule of law. Efficiency must be ensured at several stages of the justice system. The Police and the Criminal Investigation Department must function efficiently. Since assuming office in 2024, we have taken several measures in this regard, including salary increases, allowances, recruitment and other reforms.

If investigations are not conducted efficiently, cases cannot be properly instituted. Once investigations are completed and evidence is compiled, the Attorney General’s Department must examine the material, provide legal advice and institute prosecutions where necessary. However, there are also vacancies within the Attorney General’s Department. These vacancies must be filled, while providing the necessary human resources and technology to improve efficiency. At present, a limited number of officers, including Senior State Counsel and State Counsel, are handling approximately 15,000 to 20,000 cases. This is a matter that must be addressed.

Is that alone sufficient? No. In certain cases, scientific reports are required. For example, when we assumed office, there were 118 vacancies in the Government Analyst’s Department, resulting in delays in Government Analyst reports. We have since taken steps to recruit nearly 70 personnel on both contract and permanent bases to reduce this backlog. These delays had also contributed to overcrowding in prisons. As a result of the measures taken, 9,081 Government Analyst reports were submitted during the previous month.

Why are all these measures being taken? Because the courts can become efficient only when the entire justice-delivery process functions efficiently.

As I have stated on several occasions, one of the fundamental issues identified last year was that there are approximately 1.1 million cases within the judicial system, while the number of courts and judges is insufficient. This is not a situation that arose within one or two years. It is the result of approximately 20 to 25 years of proceeding without adequate forecasting and planning. No government had taken sufficient measures to address this situation.

If appropriate steps had been taken 25 or 30 years ago, the present backlog could have been reduced. Today, people spend years attending courts while cases are repeatedly postponed. They incur significant expenses and, in some instances, have to mortgage their property to meet legal costs. We want to put an end to this situation. That is a commitment we made to the people.

In order to fulfil that commitment, the entire judicial system must be made more efficient. We commenced this process in November 2024.

In many developed countries, there are generally between 40 and 60 judges, or more, per million population. In Sri Lanka, there are approximately 20 judges per million people. According to the data available to us, the actual figure is around 19. Consequently, cases inevitably accumulate. When a judge has 1,000 or 2,000 cases before the court, postponements become unavoidable. The people ultimately suffer as a result.

Therefore, these amendments are being introduced as part of a broader judicial reform process, with the primary objective of reducing the difficulties faced by the public.

There is an argument that merely extending the retirement age of judges will not make the judiciary more efficient. If that were the only measure we were taking, such an argument could be made. However, this is only one component of a comprehensive reform programme.

When considering the number of judges required, comparisons can be made with other countries. Russia has approximately 242 judges per million population, Thailand approximately 68, England approximately 51, and Australia approximately 44. Sri Lanka has approximately 19 judges per million population. Therefore, there is a clear need to increase judicial capacity. However, this cannot be accomplished overnight.

Over the past two years, we have increased the number of courtrooms by 29. This refers to courtrooms, not merely the number of courts. The number of Commercial High Courts has been increased from four to five. Two three-Judge High Courts have been established. The number of High Courts has increased from 48 to 49. The number of Civil Appellate High Courts has been increased from one to two. The number of Commercial High Courts has been increased to five, while the number of High Courts hearing criminal cases has been increased by three, bringing the total to 11.

Two permanent three-Judge High Courts have also been established. High Court Courtrooms Nos. 6, 10 and 11 have been allocated specifically for bribery cases. A Small Claims Court has also been established in new premises to facilitate the expeditious resolution of financial disputes.

Why are all these measures being implemented? Because people should not have to spend years travelling to courts, and cases must be heard and concluded without unnecessary delay.

For many years, successive governments did not take sufficient steps to expedite the disposal of cases. When in opposition, allegations may be made against individuals and cases may be filed, but when governments change, cases can continue for years. Our objective is to change this situation and ensure that cases are heard efficiently.

There were also serious staff shortages within the judiciary. A court cannot function merely because a judge is appointed. Approximately 1,700 court staff are being recruited through the Judicial Service Commission, including staff required for registries, stenographic services, record management and other essential functions. The objective is to ensure that cases are heard and concluded more efficiently.

We have also introduced technology into the judicial system. Under the guidance of the Chief Justice, significant efforts are being made to digitalise the judiciary. Through the e-Court project, case filing at the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court is now being carried out through e-Filing. This reduces the amount of paper used and can also reduce significant costs incurred by litigants.

Judges can also access case records electronically instead of dealing with large physical files, thereby facilitating more efficient proceedings.

The introduction of e-Filing to District Courts also commenced yesterday. e-Filing is now available at the Colombo Small Claims Court, and our objective is to gradually move the entire judicial system towards electronic filing and digital processes.

We have also introduced amendments to laws relating to the recovery of proceeds of crime. Steps have been taken to establish the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption on a separate salary structure and to recruit additional personnel. Measures are also being taken to expand its network throughout the country.

All these measures demonstrate our commitment to making the administration of justice faster and more efficient.

Judicial efficiency is important not only to ordinary citizens but also to the business community and investors. If an investor faces a contractual dispute and a case takes three or four years to resolve, it can affect confidence in the country’s legal and commercial environment. Therefore, an efficient justice system is essential for both citizens and businesses.

Last year, we introduced amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure to facilitate the giving of evidence through remote means. Similar provisions are required for civil proceedings. Subject to the relevant procedures, individuals will be able to provide evidence without necessarily travelling to court. Lawyers are aware of the number of cases that are postponed because witnesses are unable to appear in person.

We have also successfully tested Voice-to-Text technology and are taking preliminary steps to introduce this technology in approximately 350 courts. This will further assist in expediting court proceedings.

What do we expect to achieve through these amendments?

Through the proposed constitutional amendment and amendments to the Judicature Act, we propose to extend the retirement age of the relevant judges by two years.

The purpose is to retain experienced and knowledgeable judicial officers during the broader reform process. This issue has been discussed within the legal profession for many years. The retirement age of Supreme Court judges was established at 65 in 1978, and it has not been increased for several decades despite changes in life expectancy and other circumstances.

Experienced judges often reach a high level of maturity and expertise towards the latter part of their careers, only to retire. Many subsequently continue to contribute their expertise in the private sector. The proposed change would enable the State to benefit from their experience within the judicial system.

This issue has also been discussed previously. The 2016 Subcommittee Report on the Judiciary recommended that the retirement age of judges of the superior courts should be uniform and stated that 65 would be an appropriate age. It also recognised the possibility of engaging retired judges, subject to the recommendation of the Constitutional Council, to assist in improving the competence and service delivery of judges in the lower courts, with such service extending up to the age of 70.

Taking these matters into consideration, we have proposed extending the relevant retirement ages by two years.

The second amendment proposes increasing the number of High Court judges from 110 to 120. This is intended to facilitate the establishment of additional courts in areas where there is a particularly high volume of cases. When there are approximately 1,000 cases pending before a court, it becomes difficult to prevent delays. Increasing the number of High Court judges will therefore support the establishment of additional courts and help reduce delays.

The number of Court of Appeal judges is also proposed to be increased from 19 to 24. There is already a constitutional provision enabling the Court of Appeal, under the relevant authority, to sit outside Colombo for limited periods. We are studying the possibility of establishing sittings of the Court of Appeal outside Colombo where the volume of appeals warrants such arrangements.

People travelling from Jaffna, Hambantota, Ampara, Badulla and other parts of the country should not necessarily have to travel to Colombo to access appellate justice where suitable arrangements can be made.

The purpose of these reforms is to improve access to justice and reduce the inconvenience caused to people by travelling long distances and facing unnecessary delays.

We are not introducing these amendments to establish authoritarianism or to suppress anyone. We are introducing them to hear cases expeditiously and ensure justice and fairness for the people.

These reforms are not being introduced as an isolated measure, but as part of a comprehensive reform of the entire justice system. We commenced this process in 2024, and we are continuing to implement the commitment made to the people through our policy programme.