Legal Aid Dialogue conducted by the Support to Justice Sector Project (JURE) alongside the Legal Aid Commission
Marking a significant step forward in strengthening access to justice and reimagining legal aid delivery in Sri Lanka, the Legal Aid Dialogue 2026 took place in Colombo, Sri Lanka over two days on 20 and 21 February 2026. The Dialogue, convened by the Legal Aid Commission together with the ‘Support to Justice Sector Project (JURE)’, funded by the European Union, in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF Sri Lanka, created a high-level platform for reflection, innovation, and collaboration across the justice sector.
The inauguration of the Legal Aid Dialogue was graced by the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, Ms. Ayesha Jinasena; Chairman of the Legal Aid Commission, Mr. Vivekananthan Puvitharan, PC; Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative of UNDP in Sri Lanka, along with high-level representatives from partner organizations and the justice sector.
The two-day event brought together a diverse group of national stakeholders, including experts from the Legal Aid Commission, the Ministry of Justice, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, the judiciary, universities, civil society organizations, and development partners. Through in-depth discussions and shared expertise, participants explored how legal aid can be transformed into a modern, inclusive, and rights-based public service.
Speaking at the inauguration, Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, Ms. Ayesha Jinasena emphasized the central role of legal aid in upholding the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice. Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative of UNDP in Sri Lanka, highlighted the importance of collaborative, people-centered approaches in strengthening legal aid systems, engaging a diversity of stakeholders to advance sustainable development.
In his keynote address, the Chairman of the Legal Aid Commission, Mr. Vivekananthan Puvitharan, PC, highlighted that 48 years have passed since the enactment of the Legal Aid Act, and that the moment is ripe to reimagine legal aid through fresh perspectives and renewed commitment.
Sri Lanka stands at a critical juncture in reshaping its approach to access to justice. A convergence of new evidence from the Justice Data Snapshot, a JURE initiative which collates information from across the justice sector, and multi‑stakeholder support through the JURE project creates a unique opportunity for the transformation of legal aid services in Sri Lanka.
Throughout the Dialogue, approximately 100 participants engaged in forward-looking conversations on policy reform, service delivery models, institutional coordination, and the use of innovation to expand legal aid coverage. The Legal Aid Dialogue served not only as a forum for exchange, but also as a catalyst for renewed commitment to building a legal aid system that is accessible, effective, and firmly grounded in human rights principles.
Anchored in new data, guided by global practice, and supported by national institutions and development partners, the Dialogue aims to move the dial in rights‑based reform. It has produced a redefined vision of legal aid as a human right and public good, closing with agreement on a set of principles and time-bound next steps to inform and guide policy development. The Dialogue provided a platform for the presentation of a revised Legal Aid Policy, which would better respond to the needs of people, contributing to a more equitable and resilient justice sector.
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About JURE:
The Support to Justice Sector Project (JURE), is funded by the European Union, in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, and jointly implemented by UNDP and UNICEF Sri Lanka. JURE takes a three-pronged approach to building a modern, efficient, and inclusive justice sector focused on accountability, transparency, efficiency and quality. Falling under UNDP’s flagship portfolio, JURE is a package of support to the justice sector in Sri Lanka and is being implemented in close consultation and partnership with key justice sector institutions and stakeholders.
About UNDP:
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.
Learn more at www.undp.org/srilanka or follow us at @UNDPSriLanka
Contact: Socialmedia.lk@undp.org | 0779804188 | Ext. 1501 Get in touch: UNDP on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
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IMAGE CAPTION: The Legal Aid Dialogue brought together stakeholders from across the justice sector, academia, civil society organizations, and development partners, in support of inclusive legal access