Ranil Case Delay Linked to AG’s Department Capacity Issues, Says Minister Nalinda Jayatissa

Colombo (News 1st): 

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says delays in obtaining legal advice from the Attorney General’s Department, including in the case involving former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, are largely linked to institutional capacity constraints and a heavy workload within the department.

Responding to concerns that the Wickremesinghe case remains pending due to the absence of the Attorney General’s advice, the Minister stressed that while the Government can support institutional reforms, it will not interfere with judicial processes.

“The Government can intervene on this matter from an administrative and institutional perspective. This is not an interference with the judiciary. The ongoing reforms also apply to the Attorney General’s Department. We are improving facilities and resources while also accelerating staff recruitment. All of these measures are currently being implemented,” he said.

Dr. Jayatissa acknowledged that delays in receiving reports and legal opinions from the Attorney General’s Department have become a practical challenge in expediting court proceedings.

“It is true that one of the issues affecting the speed of legal proceedings is the delay in receiving reports and advice from the Attorney General’s Department. This is a challenge that we have experienced in practice,” he explained.

The Minister noted that the Attorney General’s Department, under the direction of the Attorney General, is responsible for instituting and conducting legal proceedings on behalf of the State.

“The Attorney General’s Department, under the leadership of the Attorney General, is the institution that initiates and conducts these legal proceedings. As the public can see, a large number of cases have already been filed, are being pursued in court and, in many instances, judgments have also been delivered,” he said.

He emphasized that despite carrying out its responsibilities on behalf of the Government, the department is struggling to cope with the growing volume of litigation.

“The Attorney General’s Department continues to represent the Government and carry out these responsibilities. However, given the enormous volume of cases currently before the courts, the Department does not have adequate capacity. The existing workforce is simply insufficient to manage the workload,” Dr. Jayatissa said.

The Cabinet Spokesman added that reforms aimed at strengthening the Attorney General’s Department are already underway and are expected to help address delays in legal proceedings.