The good governance government came to power on promise given to the public that those involved in large scale corruption and frauds would be brought to book and punished. Though three years have passed since then not a single individual was successfully prosecuted and sentenced. Unable to face the people’s frustration on this issue the government managed to obtain approval of the parliament to establish three special courts to expedite cases involved in large scale corruption and frauds. However, special courts didn’t take off the ground.
Under these circumstances, the JVP Member of Parliament Nalinda Jeyatissa raised a question in Parliament yesterday (5) stating thus “This government came into power promising to take steps against those, who plundered state properties and involved in large scale frauds and corruption. This government is very keen in making attractive statements and promises but not translation it into actions. Your talks are confined to words only not deeds. No action talks only (NATO) “he concluded.
Replying to MP Nalinda, Minister of Justice Dalatha Athukorale said thus “ Ministry can accelerate and act in enacting laws, providing facilities in courts to conduct fair inquiries. Filing action is the duty of the Attorney General. There is a dearth of officers in the Attorney General’s department. Already approval has been obtained to recruit personnel to existing vacancies. Establishing three special courts is not a difficult task. But judges have been appointed only for a special court. Building utilized for transport court was released to establish a special court and scheduled to open it on 4th June 2018. But unfortunately roof of the building have to be repaired and replaced. Hence the delay. However, roof work will be completed within two weeks. Hence, within 14 days time the first special court will start its’ operation” she concludedSpecial courts
