October 25, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has issued fresh instructions to all state bodies, reminding officials that any request for legal advice or opinion from the Attorney General’s Department must be accompanied by a full and clearly articulated explanation of the matter in question.
In a new circular, Secretary S. Aloka Bandara underscored that each submission should include a detailed statement of facts, outlining the background, relevant legal context, and the specific issues on which clarification is being sought.
Where reference is made to official correspondence or files, the precise page numbers and relevant sections must also be identified to ensure clarity and efficiency in the review process.
The circular follows repeated observations from the Attorney General’s Department that government agencies often deviate from established procedures when requesting legal guidance. Some institutions, it was noted, have even resubmitted matters on which the Attorney General has already issued a clear opinion, creating unnecessary administrative delays and duplications.
Secretary Bandara emphasised that such practices hinder the timely delivery of legal advice and place an avoidable burden on the Attorney General’s Office. He reminded all departments that the procedures governing requests for legal consultation are already clearly defined under the Establishments Code and must be adhered to without exception.
