Laws to combat bribery, corruption ready – Justice Minister
Willing to help strengthening governance process, democracy and reconciliation in SL – Envoy
A meeting between Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, PC and German Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dr. Felix Neumann was held at the Justice Ministry on Monday (22).
The Minister said that the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation, the Office for Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations have been established in order to build harmony between the races in this country and the truth-finding commission is to be established soon.
Minister Rajapakshe said that the finger has been pointed at the politicians regarding bribery and corruption in this country and the people of this country have reached the point where they are rejecting the politicians as this situation is harmful to the country’s democracy. In order to change it, the Government Constitution amendment, the Regulation of Election Expenses and the Anti-Corruption Act have already been passed. The Minister explained that the foundation has been laid for a corruption and disorder free Sri Lanka.
The Minister explained to the German Ambassador that since the necessary infrastructure and other necessary activities for the implementation of the supervisory process in a stronger and faster manner have already been completed, by the end of this year many problems including delays in the cases will be resolved.
The Justice Minister also explained that through the mediation process in Sri Lanka, problem solving is more successful and the process has grown from about 45 percent to about 70 percent, and that this mediation process is a method of solving problems according to the agreement of both parties rather than the method of hearing cases.
At this point, the German ambassador indicated that he is ready to provide any necessary support for strengthening the governance process and democracy and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.
It was mentioned that the economic and political situation in Sri Lanka and the recovery of the normal life of the people is a positive factor and that efforts are being made to further develop the long-term relationship between Sri Lanka and Germany. It was further mentioned by the German ambassador that he is committed to providing support for Sri Lanka whenever necessary.
The Minister said that the Presidential Election and the General Election will be held at the appointed time, and the Government expects to hold the Provincial Council Election after that.
Justice Ministry’s Additional Secretary Rohana Hapugaswatta and a delegation representing the German Embassy were present for the discussion.
Varuna Dayaratne