Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara tells newly appointed judicial security officers that state officials now have freedom from political pressure to serve the people, but warns that this freedom comes with responsibility, discipline, and integrity, calling for collective national effort amid global turmoil.
State officials have been granted the freedom to perform their duties according to the law and in response to public needs, free from personal influence or political pressure, Justice and National Integration Minister, Attorney Harshana Nanayakkara has stated. He emphasized that regardless of a person’s status appearing before court, all must be treated with respect. In light of the global situation, citizens must act responsibly and honorably.
The Minister made these remarks while participating via Zoom technology in an online orientation program held at the Justice and National Integration Ministry Auditorium, organized to educate officers recruited for Judicial Security Grade III positions. According to interviews conducted by the Ministry, 69 individuals have been recruited for judicial security positions.
Addressing the newly recruited officers via Zoom, the Minister extended his warm congratulations, noting that the day marked a special milestone both in their personal lives and in the process of strengthening the country’s judicial system.
He stated that the officers were not merely receiving appointment letters but were taking on a significant responsibility. That responsibility, he said, is to serve, to protect, and to preserve the honor of the judicial system, which is one of the most important institutions in the country.
The Minister explained that the role of judicial security officers is to provide disciplined and orderly security to court premises. Every person who comes to court seeking justice, asserting their rights, or fulfilling a duty must feel secure and respected. Creating such an environment requires their essential contribution. They share in the responsibility of ensuring that court premises remain respectful, disciplined, and fair spaces for all.
Modern governance depends on the interdependence between politicians and state officials, the Minister noted. In a democratic society, the people elect political representatives to determine state policies and provide direction. Meanwhile, public servants bear the responsibility of implementing those policies efficiently and fairly. The relationship between these two parties should be one of cooperation and partnership, not mutual control.
However, the Minister reminded that past realities cannot be forgotten. There were times when state officials were denied the independence needed to carry out their duties correctly. In many instances, they were influenced or misused according to personal interests or political favor rather than public opinion. Such situations eroded public trust in the public service.
Under the current government, he emphasized, a conscious effort is being made to restore professionalism, independence, and dignity to the public service. State officials are now given the freedom to perform their duties based on the law and in response to public needs, free from personal influence or political pressure. They have been given the opportunity to work for the people according to the law.
But this freedom must come with responsibility, discipline, and honesty, the Minister warned. Without these, freedom could lead to misuse. Therefore, every state official must act with responsibility, fairness, and accountability.
For the newly recruited judicial security officers, the Minister stressed that their duties extend beyond mere security or maintaining discipline. Their responsibility is to safeguard the dignity of the judicial system. How they conduct themselves, how they interact with the public, and how they manage difficult situations will influence how people perceive the judiciary. He urged them to always act with patience, respect, and discipline.
We are living in a time of global crisis, the Minister observed. The world is facing economic challenges, geopolitical tensions, and social uncertainties. We must look at the broader picture and act as responsible and honorable citizens. Like many other countries, Sri Lanka is feeling the impact of these global conditions. In such times, it is essential to think and act not only as politicians or state officials, but as citizens, not only individually but as a nation.
The government is making every effort to fulfill the needs of the people despite numerous challenges, the Minister said. But the government cannot do this alone. It requires the support of every citizen, especially every state official.
The Minister acknowledged the personal significance of the day for the recruits, noting that behind each individual are family members who supported, guided, and believed in them. This day brings joy and pride not only to the officers but also to their families. It is a moment to be proud of, but also the beginning of a journey that requires commitment and discipline.
People come to court with expectations of justice, he concluded. Treat every person with respect, regardless of their status or who they are. The responsibility you take on is real, meaningful, and long term. Both political leadership and state officials must work together to build a fair, strong, and trustworthy judicial system.
The orientation program also featured remarks delivered via Zoom by Justice and National Integration Ministry Secretary, President’s Counsel Ayesha Jinasena, High Court Judge Lanka Jayaratne on discipline and disciplinary procedures, Ministry Senior Assistant Secretary B.D.Y.R. Wimalaratne, and Ministry Administrative Officer Y.K.S.S. Yatiwella.
