MinisterThalatha’s Observation on AG Department Activities

Speaking at an event in Ratnapura ,the Minister of Justice Thalatha Athukorala said, if one were to observe the number of cases which have accumulated at the Attorney Generals Department, it would be clear that there was a lack of the necessary personnel to work on these cases. The issue will be addressed promptly in order to resolve a backlog of cases.

 Adding fuel to fire, the Police have forwarded certain case files to the AG Department, just palming off the work, rather than reaching a decision on these cases by themselves. There are only 200 officers around the Island and they work very little at the Department. All of this must change, she insisted.

 A special programme will be launched in future to expedite the activities of the Attorney General’s Department, she said.

Meanwhile speaking in parliament yesterday Minister Athukorala said, if any shortcomings had taken place in carrying out legal proceedings over the murder case of national Rugby player Wasim Thajudeen, the necessary steps would be taken to correct the issue.

The Minister remarked if any errors found made in Thajudeen’s murder case, they would be addressed and resolved without fail.

She noted the Minister in charge of the Police will also be consulted on the matter.