Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said any lawyer who feels his or her life is under threat can obtain security through the Ministry of Public Security.
The minister made the remarks at a special media briefing held today.
He condemned the recent shooting incident in Akuregoda in which a lawyer and his wife were killed. Nanayakkara said those responsible for the murder would be brought to justice and would not be allowed to evade the law.
However, he said the incident does not mean that all lawyers are facing death threats, describing such claims as a slogan created by certain groups, including the opposition.
Justice Minister Nanayakkara also said approximately 1.1 million civil and criminal cases are currently pending within Sri Lanka’s court system.
He attributed the primary cause of the backlog to staff shortages and expressed hope that the issue would be addressed by March or April.
Nanayakkara said imprisoning offenders is not the responsibility of the Justice Ministry alone, noting that the process must be carried out properly between the Police Department and the judiciary.
The Chief Justice has prepared a formal plan to expedite the hearing of cases, the minister said, adding that several new courts are to be established, including five additional courtrooms proposed for the Aluthkade Court Complex.
The minister added that the digitalization of court proceedings has reduced a number of expenses.
Meanwhile, following the conclusion of judicial proceedings, the auction of metal items has generated a profit of Rs. 952 million, he said. (Newswire)
