Opposition and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka urged the Government to provide adequate welfare facilities to the administrative-level officials working in the courts.

Speaking in the Parliament yesterday (20), he said that court officers serve in various capacities, including managing archives, handling case items, working as shroffs, and preparing related documents to implement court decisions. Despite fulfilling their duties and responsibilities, he said that such officers are facing numerous challenges including having to work in remote areas with less facilities. 

“These officers do not receive the allowances that officers of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) receive. They also lack other facilities in their workplaces. For instance, while judges and lawyers have adequate facilities within court premises, these officers don’t even have proper canteen facilities during work. They are requesting appropriate facilities and an allowance equal to one fourth of their salary just like what the JSC officials receive.”

Fonseka urged the Minister of Justice, President's Counsel Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and the Government to look into the issue and provide relief to the court officers. He said that the Government should consider the prevailing economic conditions, and work to ensure their welfare.

Dr. Rajapakshe was not available for comment.

The judicial system of Sri Lanka consists of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, the High Courts, and the District, Magistrate's, and Primary Courts. The difficulties faced by court officers have come to light with many other categories of public servants lamenting that their current salaries, allowances, and other welfare related facilities are insufficient given the current economic conditions.