Sri Lankan government ministers met with Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith to discuss ongoing reforms in the judicial and prison sectors, while clarifying the administration's position on anti-corruption measures and constitutional changes.
Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa and Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara held talks with His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith at the Archbishop's House in Colombo today, focusing on the government's reform agenda in the judiciary and correctional system. According to officials, the meeting was intended to provide updates on reform initiatives and address what they characterized as the circulation of inaccurate information regarding these efforts.
The ministers presented measures already implemented to resolve issues within the judicial and prison sectors, with the stated goal of rebuilding public confidence in courts and expediting the delivery of justice. Minister Jayatissa addressed concerns about the proposed amendment to the Anti-Corruption Act, stating that provisions ensuring public access to asset and liability disclosures of elected representatives would remain intact. He noted, however, that amendments would differentiate between elected officials and government or statutory employees, with the latter category potentially subject to privacy protections given their roles in both state and private service.
On the question of constitutional reform, Minister Jayatissa indicated that any amendment would require extensive deliberation within Parliament and broader public engagement before proceeding. He emphasized that the government prioritizes strengthening economic performance, democratic institutions, and the rule of law as prerequisites for constitutional changes. The minister also confirmed the government's intention to conduct all scheduled elections as planned, with Provincial Council elections to be held at the earliest feasible time. Minister Nanayakkara reinforced the administration's commitment to advancing judicial and prison reforms as part of its broader justice sector agenda.
