Media has vital role to play to eradicate crime

Malwana correspondent

Crime is on the rise and can be completely eradicated or controlled if the courts, justice department, the police and the public cooperate. The media too has a vital role in this, said the Chief Justice, Sarath N. Silva, the Chief Guest addressing a seminar and workshop on "Awareness and prevention of Crime" at Al Mubarak National School, Malwana last Sunday.

The seminar and workshop was organised by western province north Deputy Inspector General of police in collaboration with Biyagama Divisional Secretariat. It was sponsored by the National Savings Bank, Malwana Nabaviyyah Youth Organisation Al Mubarak OBI and EPO and presided over by the District High Court Judge, Gampaha, Al Haj M. M. A. Gaffoor.

The Chief Justice said most criminals escape from the law with public help.

He said there are 300 judges in Sri Lanka and they have instructed not to cause unnecessary delay and, expedite hearings so that the public are not inconvenienced.

During the reign of Sinhala Kings such as Pandukabhaya and Buvaneka Bahu "Grama Rajya System" which was functioning was said to be very successful. This system suits our country even today, he said.

He said, Sri Lanka's first ever court complex was set up by the Portuguese Army Commander, Asawido in 1595 at Malwana. It was during this period, that Malwana Convention was signed by Asawido and King Buvaneka Bahu. This Malwana is a historical place.