Sort out minor disputes at village level, advises Justice Minister

Sort out minor disputes at village level, advised the new Justice Minister Athauda Seneviratne while assuming duties this morning at the Ministry office in Colombo.

The judiciary is essential and so are the Police. The Justice Ministry will improve ties with both these arms of law to serve the people better, added Mr. Seneviratne while addressing the media.

Providing buildings and other infrastructure for the law enforcement authorities alone will not help ease the backlog of cases in courts. The Police should involve themselves more in amicably sorting out minor cases and grievances at village or Police division level and people should refrain from going into litigation if they can, was the advice the new Justice Minister had to deliver.

“We have to bring in a change in the attitude of the people. We have to serve the people better. We will do this and improve the existing situation,” pledged Minister Seneviratne.

“Existing legislations, some of which are out of date, have to be changed. Now that the people have given us a stronger mandate, we have to change these legislations to serve the masses better,” Mr. Seneviratne added.

Deputy Minister Reginold Cooray was also present when Minister Athauda Seneviratne assumed duties at the Ministry.