COLOMBO, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's first special high court to try high-profile bribery and corruption cases will open on July 4, Cabinet Spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said on Thursday.

Senaratne said the first court will open in capital Colombo and two more will open before the end of September to clear the backlog of high-profile cases including those against members of the former government.

The special courts will hear cases involving money laundering, bribery and large financial crimes, dishonest misappropriation of property, and criminal breach of trust by public servants.

Last month, the Sri Lankan Parliament approved the setting up of special high courts with 119 legislators voting in favor and 52 against.

Justice Minister Thalatha Atukorale said the new courts will reduce pressure on the criminal justice system and help speed up hearings.

The choice of which cases will be taken up by the new courts will be made by the chief justice to ensure that no political pressure is involved, the minister added.