Witness protection Bill coming soon

A Bill titled “Assistance and protection to victims of crime and witnesses”. was submitted recently by the Attorney General to the Supreme Court for approval.

Presenting the Bill on behalf of the Attorney General, Deputy Solicitor General Yasantha Kodagoda said the Bill set out the rights and entitlements of victims of crime and witnesses and provided for a mechanism to promote, protect, enforce and exercise such rights and entitlement.

He said it provided for the payment of compensation to victims of crime and enabled victims of crime to obtain compensation from persons convicted of having committed offences against them.

The Bill also provides for obtaining redress by victims of crime including restitution, reparation and rehabilitation of such victims and that they be treated with equality, fairness and with respect for their dignity and privacy.

The DSG said the Bill was presented in the national interest in terms of Article 122 (1) of the Constitution. The Bench comprising Justices Shiranee Thilakawardena, Saleem Marsoof and Andrew Somawansa heard the DSG and suggested a few amendments to it before it was forwarded to the Speaker of the House. - TA