Press Release Media Secretary

Lawyers from the Jaffna Bar Association met with Justice and Law Reform Minister Milinda Moragoda on Monday to discuss issues connected with the implementation of justice in Jaffna. This dialogue was part of the Northern Justice Initiative launched by the Ministry to address issues connected to the justice system in the post-conflict period. The initiative is supervised by a committee chaired by Supreme Court Justice K. Sirpavan and supported by the UNDP.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  The Asian Development Bank has also extended a sum of US$7 million (rs 800 million) to build new courthouses in the Jaffna peninsula.

Minister Moragoda outlined the challenges faced by the Ministry for the smooth functioning of the justice system in the North. These included the recruitment of qualified personnel with the qualifications and skills to handle court work and ensuring the ready availability of legislation and other legal materials in Tamil translation.

Mrs. Shantha Abemannasingam PC headed the delegation of lawyers who met with the Minister. Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and Law Reforms Mrs. Kamilini De Silva and Senior Assistant Secretary W. A. Senaeratna also participated in the discussion.