A few Ministers in the Government felt that there is undue delay in bringing the culprits to book , who squandered public wealth in the past. They are still enjoying it without any problem. Public too agitate that they should be punished. Though two years have passed since President assumed office and induction of good governance, not a single successful prosecution was made. Public beliefs that politics and money played a very important role in protecting culprits. Hence, right thinking Ministers in consultation with the President proposed Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) to expedite important cases where powerful politicians involved.
Proposed Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) Act in a Nutshell:
Establishment of CJC by President.
Whenever the President is of opinion that offences said to be committed in calling / entering public tenders, contracts,Projects, foreign currency transactions which endanger the national economy or interest, in administration ofcentral bank, corruption , frauds , misuse or abuse of power in relation to the Central Bank, Public body, Provincial council, local body or local authority or any incorporated company in which Govt owns or control 30 % or more of the issued share capital, the President is empowered to issue a warrant establishing a CJC following legal process.
Powers of the Commission:
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To procure and receive all such evidence and examine, to require the evidence of any witness to be on oath, to summon any person residing in Srilanka, to regulate admission of the public, to regulate the admission of the press, to exclude the public from the inquiry, to exclude press from the inquiry, to require by written order to any Manager of any bank calling details of accounts etc.
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To order to strip civic rights of persons for seven years who are found guilty and pass sentences, which cannot be challenged in any other court in Srilanka.
