Cabinet approves setting up new High Court for corruption cases

Nov 08, 2017 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s cabinet has granted approval to establish a separate High Court under the article 105 (1) (c) of the constitution to conduct trials for offences on public properties.

These include major financial crimes, organized crimes, money laundering, financing terrorism, bribery and corruption cases. This new High Court will consist of 03, three bench tribunals and the judgments may directly appeal to Supreme Court. Chief Justice will have the discretion to direct cases to this new court once Attorney General requested a case to refer to this court.

Justice Minister Thalatha Athukorala said the legal draftsman was instructed to draft necessary legislation. It has also been approved to amend Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption Act and its consequent acts, to overcome difficulties in implementing such laws because of their contradictions.