2026-02-20 / Oral Question: Three-Judge Anti-Corruption Permanent High Court, Colombo (Q.No. 1/2025)
Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law
2026-02-20
Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara provided an update on the functioning of the Permanent High Courts at Bar, clarifying the division of responsibilities between his ministry and the judiciary. He stated that his role is limited to providing infrastructure and facilities, including seven additional High Courts, while case assignments and trial-at-bar determinations fall under the authority of the Judicial Service Commission, the Chief Justice, and the Attorney-General. The Minister assured the House that trials would proceed at the required pace by mid-year, and declined to address a supplementary question concerning a specific individual's case, ruling it outside the scope of the main question.
Mr. Speaker, work is proceeding in the Permanent High Courts at Bar. The assignment of cases and the choice of court are matters for the Judicial Service Commission and the Hon. Chief Justice. As Minister of Justice, my role is to provide the necessary infrastructure and facilities — which we are doing, including seven additional High Courts. Decisions as to which matters should proceed as trial-at-bar or otherwise are for the Attorney-General and the Chief Justice. I can assure the House that, by the middle of this year, trials will proceed at the required pace.
As the supplementary raised does not arise from the main question, I will not answer on any specific individual’s case.