Sri Lanka Proposes Judicial Reforms Amidst Concerns Over Independence
Summary
Sri Lanka has proposed sweeping judicial reforms to reduce court backlogs, expand the number of courts and judges, and speed up case disposal. Lawyers, opposition parties, and a UN rapporteur have raised concerns that the changes could threaten judicial independence.
Key Points
- The Sri Lankan government has proposed two bills to expand courts, add judges and staff, and create new appellate courts outside Colombo.
- The Bar Association of Sri Lanka and opposition parties say the planned increase in judges’ retirement age could affect judicial independence.
- President Anura Kumar Disanayake says the reforms are meant to streamline the justice system and reduce severe case delays.
- The UN special rapporteur on judicial independence has sought clarification, while anti-corruption probes into the Rajapaksa family add to the political context.
