Justice reforms and upgrades set as budget priorities

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake directed a pre-budget discussion on Tuesday regarding the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, evaluating progress on initiatives funded by the 2026 budget while outlining priorities for the 2027 budget.

The discussion centered on upgrading the legal sector via infrastructure expansion, institutional restructuring, prison modernisation, and advanced forensic capabilities.

Authorities emphasised that the state aims to build a judicial framework capable of delivering prompt verdicts to citizens by accelerating court infrastructure development.

Officials examined progress on major judicial construction sites, including the Colombo High Court Complex, the Hulftsdorp Court Complex, and new facilities in Galle, Matale, and Kantale.

Participants discussed restarting the construction of official residences for judges, which was halted after the 2022 financial crisis.

The Legal Draftsman’s Department will receive additional personnel and technological upgrades to handle growing responsibilities.

The Government Analyst’s Department expects new laboratory machinery this month, targeting an increased monthly reporting capacity of 9,000 reports.

The President directed officials to move the Government Analyst’s Department to a better facility equipped for necessary operations.

Reviewers assessed the Prisons Department capital programme valued at five point six two seven billion rupees, which covers facility renovations, modern technology, vehicles, and software networks.

The agenda addressed enhanced amenities and welfare for prison guards alongside filling engineering vacancies through contract hires.

The administration discussed uniting rehabilitation programmes currently operated by separate bodies under one coordinating umbrella to streamline management.

Officials reviewed updates from the Attorney General’s Department, the Department of Community-Based Corrections, and related ministry branches while preparing for the upcoming budget cycle.

President Dissanayake noted that directives were issued to create distinct public procurement frameworks for specialised fields like digital services, healthcare, and defence to overcome restrictions in the existing procurement model.