14. Insertion of new sections 13A and 13B in the principal enactment

The following new sections are hereby inserted immediately after section 13 of the principal enactment and shall have effect as sections 13A and 13B of that enactment:-

13A. Where a court or competent authority considers that oral evidence is necessary for identification of a person or thing or any other form of assistance under this Act, such court or competent authority may use video or audio transmission technology to lead evidence in such manner as may be prescribed, from a witness who is physically present in a foreign

State and unable to attend court in Sri Lanka.

The hearing shall be conducted directly by a judicial officer or law enforcement officer.

13B. When a request is made where an offence is committed involving persons or property in multiple countries, the Central

Authority shall facilitate provisions to establish a joint investigation, comprising of investigators from Sri Lanka and any specified countries or specified organizations.”.