Justice to be streamlined

The Government will shortly create five new judicial zones aimed at revamping the administration of the justice system in the provinces and clearing the backlog of cases.Justice and Legal Reforms Minister Milinda Moragoda will shortly gazette the re-demarcation of the judicial zones and the setting up of new High Courts, District Courts and Magistrate’s Courts in terms of the powers vested him under the Judicature Act.

The changes are based on the findings of the Cabinet appointed de-limitation committee on judicial zones headed by former Supreme Court Judge Nissanka Udalagama recommending the re-demarcation of the judicial zones.

The committee had studied information gathered from various police stations as well as over 1400 Grama Niladhari divisions to arrive at the decision. The Committee also invited proposals from various associations representing the legal profession and the Sri Lanka Bar Association.

The Committee also examined the nature of the court cases pending before the courts and the distance people have to travel from their respective villages to attend a court session. The Committee also found that there are numerous problems faced by the Police with regard to the jurisdiction which need to be addressed effectively.

Accordingly five High Courts will be set up in Kilinochchi. Tangalle, Matale, Nuwara Eliya and Kuliyapitiya, the Sunday Times learns. The new District Courts will be set up in Baddegama, Morawaka, Teldeniya, Dambulla, Walapane, Kebetigollawa, Kekirawa, Hingurakgoda, Mahiyanganaya, Valaichcheni, Mutur, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Minuwangoda.

Twenty one new Magistrate Courts will also be set up in Udugama, Deiyandara, Angunukolapelessa, Galagedera, Naula, Walapane, Hingurakgoda, Passara, Mahiyangana, Siyambalanduwa, Nikaweratiya, Polgahawela, Anamaduwa, Mirigama, Mahara, Ja-ela, Kolonnawa, Beruwala, Lahugala, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu.

In addition to these ten new circuit courts will be set up in Kotmale, Padaviya, Bakamuna, Haldumulla, Thanamalwila, Agalawatta, Panama, Kuchchaveli, Velanai and Hanguranketa.