New High Courts in six regions - Minister

PUTTALAM: The Puttalam High Court complex built at a cost of Rs. 24 million was declared open by Justice and Law Reforms Minister Amarasiri Dodangoda and Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva recently.

Speaking on the occasion Minister Dodangoda said the new courts complex would help people of Puttalam and surrounding areas to overcome the inconvenience caused by laws delays.

People of Maha Kumbukkadawala, Anamaduwa, Karuwalagasweewa, Kalpitiya, Bundalama and Nawagattegama especially who had to travel a long distance to the Chilaw High Court to get their legal matters attended to, would have the benefit of getting such matters attended to at their doorstep.

The Ministry hoped to set up new High Courts in six regions before the end of this year to stabilise law and order and prevent laws delays, he said.

The Minister who complimented Chief Justice Sarath N Silva for his efforts to develop the legal sector by travelling the length and breadth of the country to look into the needs of various courts said he believed the independence of the judiciary was a prerequisite for ensuring the rights of the haves and have nots.

The Minister said he never condoned politicians trying to influence the judiciary in any way.

Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva said as member of the legal sector they always believed in redeeming the pledges given to the people. The opening of the Puttalam High Court complex was a fulfilment of one such pledge.

Nation Building and Development Deputy Minister D. M. Dassanayake, Justice and Law Reforms Ministry Secretary Suhada K. Gamlath, Judicial Services Commission Chairman Chandra Jayatilleke, Puttalam High Court Judge Diddeniya and District Judge Mrs. Nirosha Fernando were also present.