Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara yesterday described the establishment of evidence rooms for children to give safe testimony as a “turning point” in Sri Lanka’s judicial system.
The Minister made these remarks via video technology during the launch of a programme to streamline services for child victims of violence, held in Kandy.
Marking a significant step, an evidence room equipped with digital facilities was opened at the Kandy High Court, allowing child victims to provide testimony in a safe and protected environment. This is the first such facility in the country, with similar rooms planned for courts nationwide.
Minister Nanayakkara emphasized the government’s commitment to child protection, noting: “Children who become victims and come before the law should be able to give evidence safely. Leaving a safe country for children is a top priority.”
He also expressed gratitude to the European Union and UNICEF for their support in providing the necessary facilities, while announcing that stronger laws for child protection will be introduced in the future.
