📜 Cabinet Clears Remote Witness Testimony in Civil Cases

• Overview & Policy: Cabinet approves amendment to the Civil Procedure Code to allow witness testimony via audio-visual links from within Sri Lanka or abroad, targeting reduced delays and court modernization. • Legal Process: Proposed by Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, the Legal Draftsman’s Bill cleared AG approval and will head to the Government Gazette and Parliament. • Key Reforms: • Extends remote testimony framework previously used in criminal cases into civil litigation. • Does not alter other Civil Procedure Code provisions beyond enabling remote evidence. • Infrastructure & Impact: Facilitates witness access without physical appearance; required tech equipment is scheduled for distribution to most courts nationwide by end-August 2026.