Asian Human Rights Commission

The oppression arising from unresolved problems within the administration of justice is now a major problem for people in Sri Lanka. Like the popular saying about the temple of worship falling on the heads of the people, the "system of justice" that exists now falls on all people who wish to pursue it. Because of this problem, the people have become extremely bitter about the legal system and constantly curse it.

However, there is no one to listen to their constant cries and complaints about the defects of the administration of justice as they fall on deaf ears. People compare such complaints to another popular saying in which the victim of a robbery must ask for clues about the robbery from the robber's mother. All complaints are suppressed, and very often the complainants find themselves in trouble.

It is essential to demonstrate the people's disappointment and frustration over the existing administration of justice on the streets. Without causing a sharp awareness in people through such actions, nothing will change. To reform the administration of justice, people should actively and extensively participate. Such a reform must include the following items:

• reform of the criminal investigation system
• steps to ensure the speedy completion of criminal trials as in the case of Justice Sarath Ambepitiya
• prompt enactment and implementation of a witness protection law, including an effective system of investigations into death threats, and
• an end to torture and the effective prosecution of torture cases

To achieve such reforms urgently, people throughout the country should participate strongly and energetically in this movement.