The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Justice and National Integration has been informed that a staggering 1,131,818 cases remain pending in Sri Lankan courts, raising concerns over delays in the country’s judicial system.
The revelation highlights the significant backlog across various levels of the judiciary, affecting both civil and criminal cases. Legal experts warn that such delays undermine public trust in the justice system and hinder access to timely legal remedies.
Officials have pointed to multiple factors contributing to the backlog, including a shortage of judges, inefficiencies in court proceedings, and outdated administrative processes. The government has previously discussed judicial reforms, but the high number of pending cases underscores the urgent need for swift and effective measures.
The committee’s discussions come amid growing calls from legal professionals and human rights advocates for increased resources, digitalization of court procedures, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to ease the burden on the courts.
Authorities are expected to explore potential solutions to expedite case resolution and improve judicial efficiency in the coming months.