Hong Kong Govt to provide legal help in criminal matters

An agreement between the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HK SAR) of the People’s Republic of China concerning Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters was signed on June 16 at the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

While, Justice Ministry Secretary Suhada Gamalath signed on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, Secretary for Security of the Department of Justice, Ambrose S K Lee signed on behalf of the Government of the HK SAR.

On an initiative by the Foreign Ministry the commencement of negotiations between the two parties began in early 2003 to further enhance co-operation between the two countries to combat criminal activities, drug trafficking and the scourge of terrorism.

The agreement’s objective is to improve the effectiveness of Law Enforcement of both Parties in the investigation, prosecution and prevention of crime and the confiscation of criminal proceeds.

The scope of assistance covered by the agreement include identifying and locating persons, the service of judicial documents, the obtaining of statements and evidence from persons, executing requests for search and seizure and the tracing and confiscation of proceeds and instrumentalities of criminal activities.

It will also improve implementation of the bilateral Extradition Treaty already in force between Hong Kong and Sri Lanka thus providing a comprehensive legal framework for mutual judicial cooperation between Sri Lanka and HK SAR.