The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to publish a draft bill aimed at increasing fines under the Criminal Procedure Code, according to a statement from the Cabinet Spokesman today.
This draft bill, prepared by the Legal Draftsman, has received clearance from the Attorney General and will soon be published in the government gazette notification before being presented to Parliament for approval.
The move follows the Cabinet's policy approval on November 27, 2023, to amend the Criminal Procedure Code to adjust fines based on current monetary values. This adjustment aims to ensure that fines remain an effective deterrent in light of inflation and economic changes.
The proposal, presented by the Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms, is part of broader efforts to modernize and enhance the effectiveness of Sri Lanka's legal system. The new fines are expected to better reflect the contemporary financial context and improve the enforcement of the law.
Once published in the gazette, the draft bill will be subject to parliamentary debate and approval, marking the final step in its enactment into law.
