February 22, Colombo (LNW): The government has initiated a broad review of outdated laws across various sectors, with plans to modernise statutes and regulations to better reflect contemporary needs.
Professor Chandana Abayarathna, the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, revealed the government’s intentions while speaking at the launch of a programme aimed at introducing legal reforms to public officials.
The Minister confirmed that the Cabinet had granted approval on two separate occasions, under the guidance of the President, to kickstart the reform process. As part of this initiative, sub-committees from 13 key sectors and ministries have been assigned to lead the review and drafting of necessary amendments.
Minister Abayarathna highlighted that many of the current laws still in effect have their origins in the colonial era, with some rooted in legal traditions that were established long before British rule and later formalised during colonial governance. He noted that while the mere age of a law is not reason enough to repeal it, it is clear that many of these statutes need revisiting to ensure they are in harmony with modern governance practices and the evolving needs of society.
“While it’s not just the age of a law that warrants reform, many of these outdated statutes need to be reexamined to ensure they remain relevant and practical in today’s context,” the Minister explained.
In addition to updating existing laws, the government aims to streamline complex legal provisions, making them more accessible and user-friendly. The proposed reforms will focus on simplifying bureaucratic processes, improving service delivery, and making it easier for citizens to access the services they need.
The reform effort will also examine the broader legal and administrative frameworks to enhance efficiency, responsiveness, and relevance, ensuring that the legal system better serves the dynamic demands of a modern society.