Special directive issued to magistrates by Judicial Service Commission
October 23, 2025 07:40 am
All magistrates have been instructed by the Judicial Service Commission to take necessary steps to remove drug samples weighing less than one kilogram that have accumulated at the Government Analyst’s Department.
The directive has been issued following a request made by President’s Counsel Ayesha Jinasena, the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration.
A report concerning narcotics samples weighing less than one kilogram, for which testing procedures have been completed and submitted to the Government Analyst’s Department from 1981 to 2023, has been forwarded by the Ministry of Justice to the Judicial Services Commission.
Although these samples have been examined, they have been retained, resulting in insufficient space at the Government Analyst’s Department and making it impossible to provide adequate storage facilities, the Ministry highlighted.
The Ministry of Justice has accordingly requested the Judicial Service Commission to urgently address the issue and ensure the removal of the examined drug samples from the Government Analyst’s Department.
Considering this request, the Judicial Service Commission has issued a written notification to all magistrates instructing them to take the necessary steps to remove the accumulated drug samples weighing less than one kilogram from the Government Analyst’s Department.