President says judicial system questionable

By Charumini de Silva

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday said that the judicial system of the country had become questionable as it did not meet the expectations of the general public.

Addressing National Law Conference 2017, he highlighted that it was a collective responsibility to provide the expected legal assistance to the general public.

“We have been discussing the irregularities for many years but we have failed to provide reasonable solutions. Therefore it is a responsibility to address these issues,” he added.

The President also pointed out that the public has been reluctant to seek legal assistance and solutions owing to the associated high costs and long-drawn, tiresome process. 

“Although the wealthy have been able to obtain solutions despite delays, lower income individuals were unable to receive any legal assistance due to the high cost and tiresome procedure,” he explained.

However, he commended the judges for their commitment and dedication for working with the minimum facilities provided by the Government and insisted that it was important to improve those facilities. 

President Sirisena also emphasised that judicial work should be carried out with the utmost decency and be reasonable for all the country’s citizens.