More than 200,000 cases are resolved annually through Mediation Boards, Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara said.

The Minister made these remarks while attending the National Mediation Day celebration held today (14).

He said 2026 could be considered a significant year for the mediation process, noting that more than Rs. 800 million had been allocated to the Mediation Boards Commission through this year’s Budget.

The allocation would enable the implementation of delayed training programmes and ensure that mediators are appointed properly and on time, he said.

The Minister also noted that steps had been taken to further strengthen Community Mediation Boards operating at the Divisional Secretariat level.

Special mediation boards for land disputes were established across all 25 districts last year, while special financial dispute mediation boards have also been introduced to reduce the number of financial disputes reaching the courts.

As the first phase, special financial dispute mediation boards have been established in Colombo, Gampaha, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy and Monaragala districts.

Minister Nanayakkara said the objective of these measures was not only to reduce pressure on the judicial system but also to provide the public with faster, fairer and peaceful solutions to disputes.

He also commended the more than 9,000 mediators serving across the country without seeking financial gain for their dedicated service.

He expressed his appreciation to the Chairman, Commissioners, Secretary and entire staff of the Mediation Boards Commission for coordinating 332 Community Mediation Boards and 31 Special Mediation Boards islandwide and providing the necessary facilities for the mediation process.