Sri Lanka takes historic step in evidence thro’ video conferencing
2008-10-22 11:34:19

Sri Lanka took a historic step on Wednesday introducing video conferencing to hear evidence in a court case for the first time even in South Asia.

Under a state-of-the-art automation facility, US national, John Sampson, Vice President of New Direks Incorporation, New York, second respondent in a money recovery case filed by Ruhunu Ware Private Ltd, gave evidence for around two hours and was also cross examined – through video - by the counsels for the plaintiff and the defendant. The case was taken up on Wednesday morning before Commercial High Court Judge, K.T. Chitrasiri.
Sri Lanka has adopted this new system to be used in court proceedings to overcome the difficulties encountered when evidence has to be obtained from respondents or foreigners living overseas. The case related to the export of garments to the US. Supreme Court Chief Justice Sarath N Silva was also present in court.