Due Process and Preparedness for Public Emergencies: Lessons for Sri Lanka, From the COVID-19 Pandemic = හදිසි මහජන අවස්‍යතා උදෙසා නිසි කාර්යය පටිපාටිය සහ සූදානම කොවිඩ් -19 වසංගතයෙන් ශ්‍රී ලංකාවට උගත හැකි පාඩම් = பொது நெருக்கடி நிலைகளுக்கான உரிய செயன்முறை மற்றும் தயார்நிலை கொவிட்-19 தொற்றுநோயிலிருந்து இலங்கைக்கான படிப்பினைகள்

Abstract

This study explores the due process implications of the challenges faced by Sri Lanka’s judicial system during the COVID-19 pandemic. It identifies two key due process rights which are adversely affected by the COVID-19 restrictions, namely the right to a fair trial, and access to legal representation and assistance. The study also conducts an analysis of the judicial responses to the challenges brought about due to COVID-19, as well as a comparative analysis of the judicial experience of India and Singapore in dealing with COVID-19 restrictions, in order to identify the critical lessons learned to improve Sri Lanka’s due process commitments.