4. Replacement of section 4 of the principal enactment

Official English translation. The Sinhala text prevails. Open the official Sinhala text, official PDF on documents.gov.lk

Section 4 of the principal enactment is hereby repealed and the following new sections are substituted therefor:–

4. (1) The Secretary to the Ministry of the

Minister, shall be the Central Authority for the purposes of this Act (hereinafter referred to as the “Central Authority”).

(2)

The Central Authority may authorize an

Additional Secretary, in writing to act on behalf of the Central Authority for the purpose of this

Act.

(3)

The Central Authority shall designate competent authorities who shall process information to requests as directed by the

Central Authority.

(4)

Where the Central Authority is unable to carry out his duties on account of ill health or other infirmity or being convicted of an offence, the Minister shall appoint an Additional

Secretary to administer the Act, within three days of such inability.

4A. The Central Authority–

(a)

shall take all reasonable steps to ensure prompt action in respect of all requests, together with the assistance of such other entities or persons, as may be necessary;

(b)

may direct a request received under section 5, to a competent authority to provide necessary information or assistance;

“Central

Authority to administer the

Act.

Duties and functions of the Central

Authority.

Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters

(c)

shall prioritize the execution of urgent requests;

(d)

shall maintain contact details of relevant local and foreign authorities;

(e)

shall have a dedicated unit to maintain a proper system to manage incoming and outgoing requests; and

(f)

may issue guidelines and circulars to administer the provisions of the

Act.”.

Read on from s 5