Colombo, Oct 17 (Daily Mirror) - Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has said a mechanism has been introduced to reduce delays in issuing Government Analyst’s reports to three months by January 31, 2027.
The Minister made these remarks during an inspection visit to the Government Analyst’s Department in Battaramulla yesterday (16), where he reviewed the progress of reports relating to narcotic substances.
During the visit, he examined the processing of samples, the computerisation of reports and measures taken to expedite their issuance, while discussing operational matters with laboratory officials.
The department has been working to clear a backlog of reports under a special programme. Officials informed the Minister that reports relating to narcotic samples weighing less than five grams, received up to August 2026, had been completed, while work on the remaining reports had been accelerated.
The Minister said timely issuance of analyst reports was essential to expedite court proceedings and ease prison overcrowding.
He said that staff shortages and limitations in facilities had previously contributed to delays. Measures taken by the current administration included filling vacancies, upgrading facilities and providing allowances for staff working night shifts.
Nanayakkara thanked officials working to expedite the reports and urged them to bring any operational difficulties to his attention, assuring them of his intervention to resolve such issues.
The visit focused on improving the efficiency of the department and monitoring progress towards the target.
Acting Government Analyst Kamini Perera and other departmental officials were also present.