UNP calls for independent inquiry into SC fire

• Questions how fire erupted in a high security complex
• Says those in charge of security must take responsibility
• Questions whether court records have been digitised as planned in 2019

The United National Party (UNP) yesterday called for an independent inquiry into the fire that broke out at the Supreme Court complex on Tuesday.

Issuing a statement the UNP noted that the building was the apex of the country’s judicial system and was situated in a high security zone and called on the Government to conduct an immediate and transparent inquiry into the cause of this fire.

“The SC complex is situated in a section of Colombo which is currently under lockdown and court proceedings have been limited to only urgent cases with the absence of any public. As such the Government must ascertain what led to the lapse in security which resulted in this fire,” the statement said.

The UNP said it was concerned by the reports emerging regarding the location of the fire. Media quoted the Supreme Court Marshal who stated that the fire had been contained to the basement of the complex. At the time the Marshal was unable to provide an update on the state of the Court record room which is situated in the basement.

Subsequently the Police have stated that no damage has been sustained by the records room. However, the party requested that a full inventory be taken of the records in the record room to ensure no files have gone missing.

“Those who were responsible for the security of this complex must be held accountable. Prior to the handover of the Government in 2019 the UNP-led Government was in the process of digitising court records. The necessary systems had been procured and were awaiting implementation. We ask the Government whether it has continued this process, and if not to provide an explanation as to why it delayed this important task.”