16 March 2020 – Public gatherings related to judicial/prison systems further restricted

Type of Intervention: Judiciary
Sectors Involved: Corrections / Justice
Intervention Categories: Social and physical distancing measures; Gatherings, businesses, and services; Legal and policy; Regulatory change
Level of Jurisdiction: National
Lead People/Agency: The Judicial Services Commission

Overview: The Judicial Services Commission sent a circular relating to judicial cases to be taken up from March 17 to 20. All the court cases which are to be called at Commercial High Courts, Court of Appeal and District Courts will not be called at open courts. Only the urgent cases at the discretion of Judges concerned. This practice is to be adopted at both High Courts and Magistrate Courts. The congregation of public near prisons will also be limited.

Full details here: https://www.presidentsoffice.gov.lk/index.php/2020/03/17/public-gatherings-further-restricted/?lang=en

Type of Justification: Advice of EXTERNAL expert advisor or advisory committee
Source of Evidence or Justification: National – government
Evidence/Justification: To prevent congregation of people. Most likely that the advise came from the Task Force.