It has emerged that more than 63,000 cases are currently pending in the Colombo District Court alone. With only nine judges assigned to handle this massive caseload, the backlog continues to grow.The Colombo District Court's record room paints a troubling picture. Files are stored in an environment lacking proper infrastructure, adequate reference mechanisms, and basic …
Colombo District Court Faces Mounting Backlog
It has emerged that more than 63,000 cases are currently pending in the Colombo District Court alone. With only nine judges assigned to handle this massive caseload, the backlog continues to grow.
The Colombo District Court’s record room paints a troubling picture. Files are stored in an environment lacking proper infrastructure, adequate reference mechanisms, and basic quality standards. Legal professionals have voiced frustrations over the inefficiencies, which often lead to further delays in case proceedings.
Sri Lanka, with a population of 23 million, has approximately 385 judges, averaging approximately one judge for every 60,000 citizens. This ratio underscores the systemic challenges faced by the judiciary in addressing the legal needs of its people.
The situation is particularly dire in Colombo, where the demand for judicial services far outpaces the capacity of the courts.
“This backlog is not just a problem for the judiciary but a crisis for the people who depend on it,” said a senior lawyer who wished to remain anonymous. “Justice delayed is justice denied, and this delay erodes public trust in the system.”
The backlog in Colombo’s District Court is more than a logistical challenge; it is a reminder of the urgent need for systemic reform to ensure justice is accessible and efficient for all Sri Lankans.
