In order to reduce prison congestion, Justice Minister Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara says that steps are being taken to bring in a new bill that will allow suspects to be placed under house arrest instead of being remanded in custody.
The Minister stated this while participating in a press conference held at the Government Information Department today.
Speaking further, Justice and National Integration Minister Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara said:
“Courts are not there to earn salaries for judges, but to make money for lawyers. Courts are there to complete cases without wasting time and money. There are about 1.1 million cases in the courts. Previously, Supreme Court cases were scheduled to be heard after a year had passed. The number of cases being completed under the new Chief Justice is increasing. We are building new courts. There are separate courts for Easter cases and bribery cases. Seven more courts will be established in the future