People must have confidence of ability to access Justice: Wijeyadasa

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe on Friday said that in a country that upholds the rule of law, every individual should have confidence in their ability to access justice.

Speaking at the National Law Week – 2023, the minister said that the current methods employed by the police, judiciary, and legal practitioners were inadequate in delivering justice to all citizen and attributed a significant part of the 2022 severe economic crisis to the breakdown of the rule of law within the nation.

“In a society where the rule of law prevails, every citizen should feel assured that they can seek

justice when wronged,” Rajapakshe stated, underlining the critical role that justice plays in maintaining social and economic stability. Addressing this issue is of utmost importance to prevent future crises and to foster a harmonious society.

Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, PC emphasized the need for public awareness regarding the roles and functions of the various institutions within the justice system, including the judiciary, police, and mediation boards.

“These institutions are in place to ensure that every citizen, regardless of their status or wealth, has equal access to justice,” Jayasuriya said. These institutions have a critical role in safeguarding the rights and interests of the people and preventing the undue influence of the rich and powerful.

The National Law Week – 2023 served as a platform for leaders in the legal and justice sectors to openly discuss the challenges faced by the justice system in Sri Lanka. It also shed light on the urgent need for reforms to ensure that justice is accessible to all, ultimately strengthening the nation’s commitment to the rule of law and fostering a more just and equitable society.