Magistrate and High Courts in Sri Lanka will adopt a new digital application designed to record and transcribe witness testimony, aiming to address longstanding delays in case proceedings.
A new application will be introduced across Sri Lanka's Magistrate Courts and High Courts to streamline the recording of evidence during open court hearings. According to state media Silumina, the app utilizes voice-typing technology to automatically transcribe witness statements with greater accuracy than traditional methods.
The application features technology capable of identifying individual witnesses' voices, which officials say will prevent confusion if the same person testifies multiple times during proceedings. This voice recognition capability is intended to ensure clear attribution of statements to specific witnesses.
The initiative addresses a persistent challenge within Sri Lanka's judicial system. Delays in obtaining case reports and legal notes have historically contributed to repeated trial postponements, creating backlogs that affect case resolution timelines. By automating the evidence recording process, authorities believe the new system will reduce administrative bottlenecks and improve overall court efficiency.
The rollout will begin in Magistrate Courts and High Courts, with officials indicating that digital transcription should expedite the preparation of essential court documentation. This move represents part of broader efforts to modernize Sri Lanka's judicial infrastructure and address long-standing procedural delays.