Reasonable salary structures for members of the Judiciary: President

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday said that steps were being taken by the Government to establish a reasonable salary system for members of the Judiciary.

He made these remarks while participating in the Annual Conference of Judges held at the Pegasus Reef Hotel in Wattala. 

The Government has understood the repercussions of not having a reasonable salary system for employees in the Judiciary, the President said, adding that the Government would work according to its policy to provide a reasonable salary to all irrespective of rank in order to deliver an impartial and just service to the public.

The President emphasised that without limiting the good governance concept to banners, the Government would ensure that impartiality and democracy would prevail in all sectors including the Judiciary and public service. 

“All of us can see how the Executive influenced the Judiciary during the past few decades. The Government should fulfill its responsibility to ensure the impartiality and independence of the Judiciary,” he said.  

The President emphasised that the Judiciary and the law should be fair to all and people who were in this sector should pay attention to allegations levelled by the general public and various sections as some prisoners received different facilities in prison depending on their social status.

Priority should be given to experience and ability when giving appointments and promotions in the Judicial Service Commission, the President stated, adding that the Government had taken action in this regard.  

The President presented a memento to Chief Justice K. Sripavan appreciating his service to the Judiciary. Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and the President, Secretary and members of the Judicial Service Association along with intellectuals were among those present at the event.