Chief Justice Urges Consideration of Adverse Weather in Court Orders

 Considering the prevailing adverse weather conditions and disaster situations across the island, the Judicial Service Commission has issued a special series of instructions to all judges, urging them to refrain as much as possible from issuing orders that would prejudice or adversely affect parties unable to attend court proceedings.

This notification was issued on the 30th by Mr. Prasanna Alwis, Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, acting on the instructions of Chief Justice Priyasad Padman Surasena, and

Steps have been taken to inform all judges, including those of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Courts, as well as the Attorney General, about this matter.

The Commission points out that against the backdrop of a declared emergency disaster situation in the country, the public is facing severe difficulties due to the inundation of many homes and properties, with even fatalities reported in some areas. Furthermore, as some court buildings and roads are submerged, serious issues have arisen for lawyers, police officers, court staff, and the public in accessing transport facilities, leading to uncertainty regarding attendance at previously scheduled court proceedings during this week, which commenced on December 01st, the announcement states.

Due to these practical difficulties, the Judicial Service Commission has instructed all judges to act flexibly and refrain from issuing orders that would adversely affect parties unable to attend court. It has further advised that all possible steps be taken to resume normal court proceedings only after properly assessing the ground-level situation in the affected areas.