Juvenile Court opens in Jaffna

Athapattu BANDARA

The second Juvenile Court in Sri Lanka will be opened in Jaffna today by Justice Minister Rauff Hakeem and Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake.

The court complex was constructed with the assistance of UNICEF and Rs.3.5 million has been spent for the total project.

According to Ministry officials, latest technology will be utilized in solving the cases of children and facilities will be provided to prevent children being embarrassed before court proceedings. According to the Justice Ministry, cases against children are on the rise in Sri Lanka and they need to be settled without delay. The prime objective of the establishment of juvenile courts in the island is to ensure justice for children.

The Justice Ministry has taken steps to set up juvenile courts throughout the country to minimize injustices against children. The Justice Ministry has already established a children's court in Battaramulla.

In addition, the ministry will set up several juvenile courts in several selected areas in the country soon.

The juvenile courts will be set up according to international standards paying attention not to harm young minds. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has ordered the Treasury Secretary to provide funds to establish juvenile courts, throughout the country.