August 07, Colombo (LNW): The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has issued a directive to all members of the judiciary, calling for immediate attention to the upkeep of their official residences and surrounding areas.
The move comes in response to growing concerns regarding poor maintenance, safety hazards, and the deteriorating condition of state-provided accommodation for judicial officers.
In a formal communication, the JSC emphasised that these residences should reflect the stature and decorum expected of judicial officeholders.
According to the Commission, both the public and the legal profession view the condition of these homes as an extension of the dignity, discipline, and responsibility associated with the judiciary.
JSC Secretary Prasanna Alwis noted that the Commission has received multiple reports highlighting a wide range of maintenance issues. These include neglected rooms, uncleaned windows and doors, mould-covered roofs, and damaged flooring.
In some instances, broken electrical appliances have remained unfixed for prolonged periods, posing potential safety risks to the occupants and their families. Structural concerns such as decaying boundary walls, untrimmed vegetation, and peeling paint were also flagged during preliminary assessments.
One of the more alarming findings relates to the poor sanitation of outdoor areas, where blocked gutters and stagnant water have created breeding grounds for mosquitoes — raising public health concerns in already vulnerable localities.
Additionally, the failure to carry out routine checks on furniture, domestic machinery, and fixtures has resulted in otherwise avoidable repair costs.
The JSC stressed that these residences are maintained with public funds and that their neglect not only wastes financial resources but also undermines the credibility of the judicial institution as a whole.
Officers were reminded that official residences are not merely perks of office but carry with them a responsibility to uphold standards that align with the honour of their roles.
To reinforce accountability, the Commission announced that Technical Officers assigned to each High Court Zone will now be authorised to conduct quarterly inspections of official residences. These evaluations are aimed at ensuring consistent maintenance and early identification of any deficiencies that could escalate if left unaddressed.
