Sri Lanka’s Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara, said the establishment of a prosecutor’s office cannot be rushed, stressing that discussions are underway to prepare a concept paper in line with legal provisions. 

Speaking to Mawbima newspaper, Nanayakkara noted that while the process may take time, the Government remains committed to fulfilling its pledge in the policy statement to set up the office as soon as possible. 

“The committee is continuing to work on that matter. The head of the committee is Supreme Court Judge and President’s Counsel Yasantha Kodagoda. He is continuing to work,” Nanayakkara said. 

“It is not something that can be done in five minutes. The entire set of legal clauses has to be reviewed with the Attorney General’s Department, which itself is 200 years old, and the concept paper has to be prepared properly. The necessary discussions are underway for that.”

Nanayakkara added that the committee must meet again before a timeline can be determined, but insisted the work would be completed swiftly. 

A cabinet decision taken on May 7, 2025, had signalled the Government’s intention to establish an independent prosecutor’s office as part of its reform agenda, subject to confirmation at the following meeting. However, nearly a year later, progress remains uncertain. 

Meanwhile, the ongoing clash between the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Attorney General’s Department, coupled with delays in delivering justice in key cases, has prompted civil society groups demand faster progress. The Justice Ministry has also conducted several consultations on the matter, The Morning reported. (Source-The Leader)