Colombo, March 16 — Sri Lanka’s Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has issued a circular instructing judges across the country to take a flexible and pragmatic approach to court proceedings in light of the Government’s recently introduced fuel rationing measures.
In JSC Circular No. 470 dated 16 March 2026, addressed to High Court Judges, Judicial Officers, and Presidents of Labour Tribunals, the Commission acknowledged that the restricted distribution of fuel is likely to disrupt the ability of litigants and other participants to travel to courts.
The circular notes that the current fuel rationing system is an exceptional situation that could significantly affect the movement of individuals who are required to attend court proceedings. These include attorneys-at-law, litigants, accused persons, suspects, parties to cases, and witnesses, many of whom travel long distances to reach courthouses.
Under normal circumstances, judges are expected to proceed with cases as scheduled. However, the Commission emphasized that the prevailing fuel shortages must be taken into account before making adverse decisions against individuals who fail to appear due to transport difficulties.
Accordingly, judges have been instructed to assess such situations on a case-by-case basis, considering the impact of limited fuel availability and the resulting constraints on public and private transport services.
The Judicial Service Commission further directed courts to maintain regular proceedings wherever possible, while exercising discretion when circumstances linked to fuel shortages prevent parties from attending hearings.
In a move aimed at reducing fuel consumption, the circular also encourages courts to utilize online or virtual platforms where feasible, particularly in matters relating to the extension of remand periods for prisoners. The measure is expected to reduce the need for physical transport of detainees between prisons and courts.
The Commission stated that these temporary instructions will remain in force until further notice and may be updated periodically depending on the evolving situation.
The directive underscores the broader impact of the country’s fuel constraints on public institutions, including the justice system, as Sri Lanka continues to navigate economic and logistical challenges affecting transportation and essential services nationwide.
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