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| Monday, 23 December 2002 |
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Panadura group correspondent, Kapila Somaratne W. J. M. Lokubandara, Minister of Justice, Law Reforms and National Integration appeals to the Judges and Magistrates to forward their suggestions on unnecessary and controversial laws harming the forward march of society in our country if found in certain law intactments in the law of the country. The Ministry could consider their suggestions because the present government had decided to table several Bills regarding the repeal of criminal and civil law intactments before Parliament during the next year. The Minister said so referring to the comments of a speech delivered by the Panadura Provincial High Court Judge Maxwell Paranagama at the opening of the Panadura New Court Complex on Wednesday by Minister Lokubandara. Judge Paranagama in his speech delivered on behalf of the Judicial Officers at the Panadura Court Complex said practically he had come across certain unnecessary law intactments introduced by different governments in our country harming society and delaying hearing of cases. These unnecessary laws would increase the crime rate and the public would involve in controversial matters. The Education System in our country too harms society. According to the present education system. A good and well behaved citizen cannot be seen in society even in the future. So the laws must be introduced to suit the present society. This was my personal view gathered through my practical experience as a Judge, he said. In reply to these comments Justice Minister said he must thank Judge Paranagama for his comments. The Minister said the congestion that prevailed at the Panadura Court Complex at present would ease due to the construction of the new two storeyed building. He paid a tribute to the Western Province Chief Minister Reginald Cooray for participating at this meeting shedding political differences. On his request the former Minister of Justice Prof. G. L. Peiris had laid the foundation two years ago to construct the new building for the Panadura Court Complex. Minister Lokubandara said that he would help the Panadura Bar Association to construct a consultation room for their use consulting the Judicial Officers when necessary. Nelum Gamage, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Justice said the Ministry spent around Rs. 8.4 million to construct the two storeyed building at the Panadura Court Complex to ease the congestion of the Magistrates Court and the High Court and Rs. 4 million under the World Bank programme had been spent to renovate all the old buildings of the Panadura Court Complex. Most Courts which do not have adequate facilities would be given priority for renovation and ease the congestion. Western Province Chief Minister Reginald Cooray said the voters of this country had given powers to the President and the Prime Minister. The strength of the power is equal to a kilo both can't go ahead. If they got together leaving their political difference, a strong government could be formed and serve the people. Cooray said although he belongs to a different party but he is present at today's meeting to set an example to the other politicians to show that if we join hands the government could deliver the goods to the people in our country. Ranjith Rodrigo, Attorney-at-Law, President of the Panadura Bar Association paid a glowing tribute to the Justice Ministry and the Western Provincial Council for constructing a new two storeyed building to ease the congestion of the Panadura Court. A senior lawyer Owen de Mel gave a lengthy description of the Panadura Court Complex from 1948 to date. Panadura District Court Judge D. D. Dehideniya, Panadura Magistrate Srisunanda Herath, Panadura Urban Council Chairman Deepthi Asoka Abeywickrama, and Court officials were also present. Upul Munasinghe presented the vote of thanks. |
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