Srilanka, Feb. 25 -- The institution of criminal proceedings is of vital concern to the public. Irrespective of the outcome of proceedings, the subjection of a citizen to criminal litigation is fraught with grave consequences, including psychological trauma and impairment of social reputation, quite apart from the expenditure incurred in defending a criminal action.

The law, therefore, goes to considerable lengths to ensure that recourse to criminal proceedings is the sequel to an informed and well-structured process which includes careful consideration of available evidence in a spirit of independence and detachment, far removed from partisan considerations.

The Role of the Attorney-General

In our legal system, this responsibility be...