The committee report on potential reforms into the Juvenile Justice laws was presented to the Minister of Justice and Law Reform Milinda Moragoda by the Committee Chairman Supreme Court Justice Shiranee Tilakawardene.
The Media Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and law Reform Gamini Sarath Godakanda said the report had examined the issues relating to Juvenile Justice under three perspectives such as the prevailing law, implementation of law and raising public awareness and submitting short term and long term recommendations.
As an immediate need, the committee has recommended to re-examine certain provisions of laws relating to the Child/Children and Young Persons Ordinance No. 48 of 1939 and to establish children’s Magistrate Court in the country and to allocate funds in order to fulfil the objectives.
“The Minister Milinda Moragoda has expressed his willingness to relocate the Bambalapitiya Children’s Court to the identified building located in Battaramulla and relocate the Youthful Offenders’ Training School and Rehabilitation Centre to the Ambepussa area within 45 days,” the media secretary said.
By appointing this committee, the government is planning to set up a separate juvenile court with all facilities with a play area for the children and providing necessary legislation to effectively handle children who are in conflict with the law and who need care and protection of the State.
It was reported that 27 percent of the cases filed in court were related to children in conflict with the law. |
