Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa and Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara met His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith at the Archbishop’s House in Colombo today for a special discussion on judicial and prison reforms.
The meeting aimed to update the Archbishop on the government’s reform agenda and to clarify facts amid what officials described as the spread of misleading information.
The ministers outlined measures already taken to address challenges in the judicial and prison sectors, strengthen public trust in the courts, and ensure justice is delivered without delay.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Minister Jayatissa commented on the proposed amendment to the Anti‑Corruption Act, stressing that the public’s right to know the assets and liabilities of people’s representatives will be safeguarded.
“The assets and liabilities of representatives can be known by the public at any time. That right will not be obstructed,” he said.
He noted, however, that publishing the assets of government and statutory officials could affect their privacy when engaging in state or private service, and therefore amendments would apply only to those sectors.
On constitutional reform, Jayatissa said any amendment requires time and broad discussion both in Parliament and among the public. He emphasized that strengthening the economy, democracy, and the rule of law must precede constitutional changes.
He added that the government intends to hold all elections on schedule and expects to conduct the Provincial Council elections at the earliest opportunity.
Minister Nanayakkara also expressed views on the planned judicial and prison reforms, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening the justice system. (Newswire)
