U.S. Ambassador Supports Expansion of Virtual Courts with UNODC

In a collaborative effort to bolster Sri Lanka’s judicial infrastructure, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, alongside representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, marked a significant milestone. The occasion celebrated the donation of 35 video conferencing units and the inauguration of new facilities in Agunakolapalessa and Galle dedicated to virtual court proceedings.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Justice, aims to enhance access to legal services for prisoners, expedite trial processes, and alleviate the burden of judicial backlog. By leveraging virtual technologies, the project seeks to mitigate challenges posed by prison overcrowding while streamlining court automation.

Ambassador Chung affirmed the commitment of the U.S. Department of State’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) to support Sri Lanka’s endeavors in addressing pressing issues within its judicial system. The donation and facility openings mark a crucial step forward in advancing the effectiveness and efficiency of Sri Lanka’s legal processes.