Govt. tells UN 22nd Amendment meant to strengthen judicial independence
The government has highlighted what it describes as a series of judicial reforms, including the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, as part of its efforts to strengthen judicial independence, reduce the backlog of cases and build a more effective justice system. Addressing the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Ambassador […]
Government officials have emphasized that the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution is designed to bolster judicial independence and the overall effectiveness of the justice system in Sri Lanka. Speaking at the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake, the country's Permanent Representative to the UN, outlined several judicial reforms aimed at tackling issues such as the retirement age of judges, retaining experienced professionals, and improving the capacity of the courts.
These measures are intended to ensure that judicial expertise remains within the system while courts can more effectively handle the substantial backlog of cases.
In addition to judicial reforms, Sri Lanka is addressing challenges in the prison system, including overcrowding, as part of broader judicial and prison-sector reforms. The government's commitment to judicial independence was reaffirmed during the UN Human Rights Council session, with Dassanayake urging the Council to evaluate Sri Lanka's situation in a balanced, objective, and constructive manner.
He urged the Council to support Sri Lanka's efforts to create a just society, despite external pressures, and highlighted the government's ongoing collaboration with UN agencies on reconciliation initiatives.
The 22nd Amendment seeks to retain experienced judicial professionals while updating retirement age policies, thereby strengthening the judicial system and addressing the large number of pending cases. Sri Lanka's emphasis on judicial reform aligns with the government's broader agenda to promote reconciliation and institutional reform.
The Ambassador emphasized the government's commitment to accountability and justice, reiterating that there is no room for extremism or racial division in the country. As the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council commenced in Geneva, Sri Lanka's human rights record, reconciliation process, and accountability remained among the issues drawing international attention.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
