Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Vs Sarath Chandrasiri Withana, Arbitrator and Others
Hon. Dr. D. F. H. Gunawardhana, J.
The Petitioner is the Foreign Employment Bureau, who advertised to fill the vacancies in the Administrative Class of the cadre internally. The 4th to 22nd Respondents were among the candidates who had applied; however, they did not obtain the required marks. A dispute arose and the matter was referred to arbitration. The arbitral award was granted in favour of the 4th to 22nd Respondent, however, it did not consider the fact that there were no vacancies existing at the time to absorb them into the cadre. Writ of Certiorari and Prohibition issued quashing the said arbitral award.
The Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
2025-12-19
CA/CPA/0090/2025
Mohamed Usman Abubakkar Vs. M. H. A. M. Riflan, Acting Director, Muslim Mosques and Charitable Trusts and 9 Others
Hon. K. M. S. DISSANAYAKE, J.
Revision Application filed in the Court of Appeal against the order of the Provincial High Court in the exercise of revisionary jurisdiction under Article 154P(3)(b) of the Constitution- Concurrent or parallel jurisdiction of the Provincial High Court and the Court of Appeal in exercising revisionary jurisdiction-Will revision lie to the Court of Appeal from an order of the Provincial High Court established under Article 154P(1) of the Constitution in the exercise of the revisionary jurisdiction vested in it by Article 154P(3)(b) of the Constitution.
Constitution - Article 138, 154P(1), 154P(3)(b), 154P(6)-Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution-sections 5, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act No. 19 of 1990.
2025-12-19
CA/PHC/0044/2019
Weerakkody Appuhamillage Sarath Hemachandra Weerakkody Vs. Registrar of the Co-operative Societies of the Sabaragamuwa Province and 6 others
Hon.K. M. S. DISSANAYAKE, J
Appeal-Delegation of Power by the Governor to a Provincial Public Service Commission-Delegation of Power so vested so delegated to the provisional public service commissioner by a Governor to the Chief Secretary or any officer of the Provincial Public Service Commission of its powers of appointment, transfer, dismissal and disciplinary control of officers of the Provincial Public Service-Futility of the application for a writ
Constitution - Articles 138, 154G, 154P(6)-Sections 2, 32(1), 32(2) and 32(2A) of the Co-operative Societies Statute of the Provincial Council of Sabaragamuwa Province, No. 3 of 2007
2025-12-19
CA-Writ-554-23
Rankoth Pedige Gamini Karunatilake, and another Vs Divisional Secretary, Medirigiriya and others.
Hon. Mayadunne Corea, J.
Secession of a grant, suppression of material facts, futility
Land Development Ordinance
2025-12-19
CA (Writ) Application No. 103/2024
Karunarathnage Robert Seneviratne Tennakoon Vs The Divisional Secretary of Kobeigane and Others
Hon. Dr. D. F. H. Gunawardhana, J.
The Petitioner being the eldest child of the original permit holder, who had died and nominated his wife as the successor, sought to be substituted. The same permit holder held two plots of land, one on permit issued under the Land Development Ordinance, and the other one’s permit was on the pipeline to be issued. The widow never made an application to succeed within the time stipulated as she had also died within sixteen months of the death of the original permit holder. The Divisional Secretary decided to amalgamate both lands and divided into equal shares among all the children. The Petitioner successfully invoked the jurisdiction of this Court to obtain a Writ of Certiorari and Mandamus to declare him as the successor in respect of the plot of land held under permit.
The Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
2025-12-19
CA WRIT 790/24
Buckingham International (Pvt) Ltd. and other Vs Director General Sri Lanka Customs, and others
Hon. Dhammika Ganepola, J.
2025-12-19
CA-Writ-566-21
U.M.G. Gunawathie (deaceased) and another Vs Divisional Secretary, Rajanganaya, Anuradhapuraand others.
Hon. Mayadunne Corea, J.
Owner disposing of a holding under the Land Development Ordinance, section 162 of the LDO Suppression and misrepresentation of material facts, Disputed facts, Alternative remedy
Land Development Ordinance
2025-12-19
CA/WRIT/209/2022
W.R.H. Epasinghe v. Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugahatenne and others
Navy Act, No. 34 of 1950 (as amended) Sri Lanka Navy Order 0501
2025-12-19
CA WRIT 791/24
Buckingham International (Pvt) Ltd. and other Vs Director General Sri Lanka Customs, and others
Hon. Dhammika Ganepola, J.
2025-12-19
CA-Writ-151-22
Abeysuriya Pattabandige Kapila Nishantha Piyumal Vs Land Reform Commission and others.
Hon. Mayadunne Corea, J.
Sections 13, 18, 19 and 21 of the Land Reform Law Unreasonableness Disputed facts, Necessary parties
Land Reform Law.
2025-12-19
CA (Writ) Application No. 655/2025
Neshakumaran Vimalaraj Vs The University Grants Commission and Others
Hon.Dr. D. F. H. Gunawardhana, J.
The Petitioner was a Council Member of the Eastern University for a period of three years. After the present Government came into power, the members of the University Grants Commission were newly appointed and they requested the Petitioner to resign from his said post; on refusal, he was removed. The said decision was challenged by way of writ. The main defense taken up by the Respondents was that the Petitioner was removed in implementing National policy. However, the National policy that was relied upon was the election manifesto of a political party. Held – no election manifesto can be accepted or adopted as National policy if it is violative of the law and Constitution, unless the law and Constitution are changed. Writ of Certiorari and Mandamus was issued.
The Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
2025-12-19
CA (Writ) Application No. 778/2025
Thillaiampalavanar Vimalan Vs The University Grants Commission and Others
Hon. Dr. D. F. H. Gunawardhana, J.
The Petitioner was a Council Member of the Jaffna University for a period of three years. After the present Government came into power, the members of the University Grants Commission were newly appointed and they requested the Petitioner to resign from his said post; on refusal, he was removed. The said decision was challenged by way of writ. The main defense taken up by the Respondents was that the Petitioner was removed in implementing National policy. However, the National policy that was relied upon was the election manifesto of a political party. Held – no election manifesto can be accepted or adopted as National policy if it is violative of the law and Constitution, unless the law and Constitution are changed. Writ of Certiorari and Mandamus was issued.
The Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
2025-12-19
CA (HCC)0203/2020
Ranasinghe Arachchige Wijedasa, Vs The Hon. Attorney General,
Hon. R.P. Hettiarachchi, J.
Possession and trafficking of Heroin- Improbableness- Genuiness and authenticity of the raid-Chain of custody- Importance of maintaining accurate and contemporaneous notes
Sections 54A (b) and 54A (d) of the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance as amended by Act No. 13 of 1984.
2025-12-19
CA/PHC/APN 0102/24
Udakumbare Sadara Susantha Gunaratne Vs The Hon. Attorney General
Hon. P. Kumararatnam, J.
Bail Pending Appeal.
The Penal Code. • The Code of Criminal Procedure Act No. 15 of 1979. • The Bail Act No.30 of 1997.
2025-12-19
CA (PHC) 149/2019
Athige Prasad Kumara De Silva (Power of Attorney Holder of Athige Rohitha Kusumsiri) Vs. Labour Department and another
Hon. Damith Thotawatte, J.
Sections 38 and 40 of the EPF Act, No personal liability for directors where there is no offence,
The Employees’ Provident Fund Act No. 15 of 1958 (as amended)
2025-12-19
CA-Writ-788-23
Horamulla Tea Plantations (Pvt) Ltd Vs Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC and others.
Hon. Mayadunne Corea, J.
Section 2 and 4 Sufficient notice of auction Undue delay Res judicata and suppression of material facts
Recovery of Loans by Banks (Special Provisions) Act.
2025-12-19
CA WRIT/457/2022
A.R.F.S. FANOON Vs SOUTH EASTERN UNIVERSITY OF SRI LANKA, and others
Hon. Dr. Sumudu Premachandra J.
Appointment of Lecturer (Probationary) , best suited candidate to be selected. Courts are "slow and circumspect" in interfering with academic decisions, Availability of alternate remedy
Article 140 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Section 86(a) of the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978.
2025-12-18
CA/HCC/ 0269/2023
Sangeeth Maduranga Rajapaksha Vs The Hon. Attorney General
Hon. P. Kumararatnam, J.
Culpable homicide not amounting to murder
The Penal Code.
2025-12-18
CA (HCC)0027/2022
Periaiya Sivakumar Vs The Hon. Attorney General,
Hon. R.P. Hettiarachchi, J.
Murder – Right of private defence- Absence of pre- meditation-Culpable homicide not amounting to murder
Exception 2 to section 294 of the Penal Code - Sections 296 and 297 of the Penal Code
2025-12-18
CA/WRT/0759/2024
Kothuwakkara Gedara Sena Harischandra Kumar Vs C.D. Kaluarachchi, Director General, Department of Samurdhi Development,
Hon. Adithya Patabendige, J.
Writ of Certiorari, Writ of Mandamus, Writ of Prohibition, Constitutional ouster – Article 61A, Public Service Commission (PSC), Disciplinary Control of Public Servants
Article 140, Article 58, Article 61A of the Constitution of Sri Lanka.
2025-12-18
CA/HCC/ 0131/2024
Gamage Premadasa Vs The Hon. Attorney General
Hon. P. Kumararatnam, J.
Sentence
The Penal Code.
2025-12-18
CA/WRT/388/2022
Gilkrisht Leisure (Pvt) Ltd., and others Vs Urban Development Authority, and others
Hon. Dr. Sumudu Premachandra J.
right of air, light and scenic view, writ; demolition of unauthorized building, vague prayers
Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and especially Article 140, by Section 5(1) of the UDA Law
2025-12-18
CA (Writ) - 300/2019
Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC Vs Land Reform Commission and others
Hon. Dhammika Ganepola, J.
2025-12-18
C.A./Writ/ 0711/2024
Sen Flora Lanka (Pvt) Limited Vs. Chandana Saman Ranaweera Arachchi Land Commissioner General
Hon. Adithya Patabendige, J.
Writ of Certiorari, Writ of Mandamus, Writ of Prohibition, Legitimate Expectation, Administrative decision-making
Article 140 of the Constitution of Sri Lanka
2025-12-18
CA/WRT/0182/2014, 0135/2014 & 0153/2014.
SriLankan Airlines Ltd. Airline Centre, Bandaranaike International Airport, Vs V. B. P. K. Weerasinghe, Commissioner General of Labour, Department of Labour,
Hon. Adithya Patabendige, J.
Writ of Certiorari, Writ of Prohibition, Compensation in lieu of reinstatement, Trade union action, Judicial review of arbitral awards.
Article 140 of the Constitution Section 4 (1) of the Industrial Disputes Act.
2025-12-18
CA -HCC- 53/2018
Rajamuni Dewayalage Jayasuriya Vs The Hon. Attorney General
Hon. B. Sasi Mahendran, J.
consistent, Identification
Section 296 read with Section 32 of the Penal Code,
2025-12-17
CA /Writ/50/2024
Dr. Wijendra Patabendalage Ranjith Kusumsiri and Another Vs. Commissioner General of the Department of Ayurveda and Others
Hon. Dr. D. F. H. Gunawardhana, J
Two Ayurveda doctors attached to the Department of Ayurveda challenged the appointment of the 12th Respondent - When the former Provincial Director retired, applications were called for to fill up the vacancy; however, the applications and interviews were cancelled due to technical difficulties. For the interim, the 12th Respondent was appointed to cover-up the appointment of the Provincial Director. Held – there is a slight difference between a ‘cover-up appointment’ and ‘acting appointment’; a covering up appointment is only until a new person is appointed. Thus, no writ lies
The Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
2025-12-16
CA/HCC 77/2019
Ganithage Ranasinghe Vs Director-General, Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption,
Hon. B. Sasi Mahendran, J.
discrepancy, participant witnesses as opposed to passive-observer-witnesses, not deliberate, errors of memory, faulty observation or lack of skill in observation
Section 19(b) and (c) of the Bribery Act.
2025-12-16
CA -HCC- 152/24
Loku Kalutotage Dayananda Vs The Hon. Attorney General
Hon. B. Sasi Mahendran, J.
consistent, truthfulness
Section 365B (2)(b) of the Penal Code, as amended by Acts Nos. 22 of 1995, 28 of 1998, and 16 of 2006.
2025-12-16
CA/WRT/0355/2022
Overdime Exports (Pvt) Ltd Vs. Director General of Customs
Hon. R. Gurusinghe, J.
Forfeiture under section 50A of the Customs Ordinance
Customs Ordinance
2025-12-16
CA/WRT/53/2024
Dadallage Shanthilatha Vs The Divisional Secretary of Kekirawa and Others
Hon. Dr. D. F. H. Gunawardhana, J.
Before the original grantee’s death, he had bequeathed the rights to the land in suit, to the 5th Respondent through his Last Will. The 5 th Respondent instituted a vindicatory action to eject the Petitioner from the land in suit granted to the original grantee by Section 19(4) of the Land Development Ordinance. The Petitioner sought to invoke writ jurisdiction, challenging the acceptance of the 5th Respondent as the successor, mainly on grounds of violation of the rules of natural justice, and failure to succeed in terms of Chapter XXXVIII of the Civil Procedure Code and Section 64 of the Ordinance. Held – no writ lies.
The Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
2025-12-15
CA/HCC/ 0005/2022
Udaya Kumar Suresh Kumar alias Nalinda Vs The Hon. Attorney General
Hon. P. Kumararatnam, J.
Credibility and probability. • Rejecting of defence
The Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance as amended by Act No.13 of 1984.
Algewaththage Kasun Sanjaya Vs. Sri Lanka Ports Authority and Another
Hon. K. M. S. DISSANAYAKE, J
Can an objection be taken by the Respondent to an application made to Court by the competent authority under section 5 of the State Land (Recovery of Possession) Act No. 07 of 1979 (as amended) that the Land in dispute is not State Land and that the Respondent is not the competent authority within the meaning of the Act-Revision Application filed in the Court of Appeal against the order of the Provincial High Court in the exercise of revisionary jurisdiction under Article 154P(3)(b) of the Constitution- Concurrent or parallel jurisdiction of the Provincial High Court and the Court of Appeal in exercising revisionary jurisdiction-Will revision lie to the Court of Appeal from an order of the Provincial High Court established under Article 154P(1) of the Constitution in the exercise of the revisionary jurisdiction vested in it by Article 154P(3)(b) of the Constitution.
Constitution - Article 138, 154P(1), 154P(3)(b), 154P(6)-Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution-sections 5, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act No. 19 of 1990.
2025-12-12
CA/PHC/0043/2019
Udapola Dasanayakalage Reginold Dasanayaka Vs. Anhettigama Gamaralalage Dharmawardena and Another
Hon. K. M. S. DISSANAYAKE, J
Can an objection be taken by the Respondent to an application made to Court by the competent authority under section 5 of the State Land (Recovery of Possession) Act No. 07 of 1979 (as amended) that the Land in dispute is not State Land and that the Respondent is not the competent authority within the meaning of the Act.
Articles 138 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, State Land (Recovery of Possession) Act No. 07 1979 (as amended)-Sections 3, 4, 5(1), 6, 7, 8, 9(1) and 9(2) and 10.
2025-12-12
CA (HCC)/0205/2024
Meegaha Kankanamge Danuka Rathnasiri Vs The Hon. Attorney General,
Hon. R.P. Hettiarachchi, J.
Murder-Misdirections committed by the trial Judge- Refusal to consider the Alibi-Accused’s right to a fair trial-Unwarranted and improper remarks made by the trial Judge-Conjecture-Inability to identify the two individuals who were allegedly involved in the assault
Section 32 and 296 of the Penal Code
2025-12-12
CA (PHC) 234/18
Pathirennehelage Nimal Rajapaksha and another Vs. Noor Mohomed Maharoof and another
Hon. Damith Thotawatte, J.
Appellate jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal, Limitation on re-evaluation of evidence, Supervisory Jurisdiction, Exceptional circumstances Miscarriage of justice
The Primary Court’s Procedure Act, No. 44 of 1979
2025-12-12
CA (HCC)0217/2024
Madduma Patabendige Pasindu Bandduma Vs The Hon. Attorney General,
Hon. R.P. Hettiarachchi, J.
Grave sexual abuse-physical violence inflicted on the victim-Aggravating and mitigating circumstances- Deterrence on the society
Section 365B (2)(b) of the Penal Code as amended by Act No. 22 of 1995,29 0f 1998, and 16 of 2006.
2025-12-12
CA/PHC/0021/2021
arnakula Weerasuriya Sunilka Nirmaliee Malkanthi Fernando and Another Vs. Warnakula Suranjanee Weerasuriya and 2 others
Hon. K. M. S. DISSANAYAKE, J
When Part VII of the Primary Courts Procedure Act No. 44 of 1979 by itself provides for a remedy for a party aggrieved by an order under Part VII of the Primary Courts Procedure Act No. 44 of 1979, will revision lie unless exceptional circumstances are shown by a Petitioner in instances where the order sought to be revised is not palpably wrong /order sought to be revised does not shock the conscience of the Court/ order sought to be revised does not cause a grave miscarriage of justice.
Articles 138 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, State Land (Recovery of Possession) Act No. 07 1979 (as amended)-Sections 3, 4, 5(1), 6, 7, 8, 9(1) and 9(2) and 10-Section 66(1)(b) of the Primary Courts Procedure Act No. 44 of 1979.
2025-12-12
CA (HCC)0119/2025
Wijesinghe Arachchilage Niroshani alias Vs Hon. Attorney General,
Hon. R.P. Hettiarachchi, J.
Possession and trafficking of Heroin- Improbableness- Contradictions inter se - Importance of maintaining accurate and contemporaneous notes during a raid-Dock Statement
Sections 54A (b) and 54A (d) of the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance as amended by Act No. 13 of 1984.
2025-12-12
CA (HCC)0138/2019
Jayasooriya Arachchige Prasanna Kumara Vs The Hon. Attorney General,
Hon. R.P. Hettiarachchi, J.
Possession and trafficking of Heroin- Contradictions inter se -Failure to evaluate the dock statement properly- Importance of maintaining accurate and contemporaneous notes during a raid-Burden of proof
Sections 54A (b) and 54A (d) of the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance as amended by Act No. 13 of 1984.
2025-12-12
CA/WRIT/634/2021
J. P. A. Jagath Keerthi v. Lalith U. Gamage, Governor Central Province and 28 others
Hon. Mahen Gopallawa,J.
Provincial Council-Provincial Council List-Provincial Public Service Commission – Department of Management Services – Sri Lanka Administrative Service –Service Minute – Scheme of Recruitment –Legitimate Expectation - Constitutional Ouster - Uberrima Fides – Laches
Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution Provincial Councils Act, No. 42 of 1987 Sports Statute of the Central Provincial Council No. 09 of 1990 Provincial Councils Pensions Act, No. 17 of 1993
2025-12-12
CA (HCC)/0229/2018
Kande Kalasi Udaya Kumara alias Upali VS The Hon. Attorney General,
Hon. R.P. Hettiarachchi, J.
Murder-Contradictions-Failure to comply with section 200(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code Act- Proof beyond reasonable doubt
Article 138 of the Constitution - Sections 32 and 296 of the Penal Code - Sections 200(1), 283 and 436 of the Criminal Procedure Code Act No. 15 of 1979. - Section 154 of the Evidence Ordinance
2025-12-11
CA (Writ) Application No. 283/2024
Naththandige Indra Chandana Anton Fernando Vs. The Divisional Secretary of Wennapuwa and Others
Hon. Dr. D. F. H. Gunawardhana, J.
The original grantee had passed away without nominating a successor; thus, his spouse became the life interest holder in terms of Section 48B of the Land Development Ordinance. She had nominated the 5th Respondent, who is the sibling of the Petitioner, as the successor, which was accepted and registered by the 1st Respondent. The Petitioner challenged the said acceptance and registration of the 5th Respondent as the successor. Writ of Certiorari issued since the decision contravenes Section 48B. However, refused to issue a Writ of Mandamus to consider the Petitioner as the successor to the life interest holder since that question does not arise until her demise.
The Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
2025-12-11
CA /Writ/ 344/2018
Muthukutti Liyanarachchige Leelananda Jayasena Vs Chairman National Housing Development Authority, And other
Hon.Dhammika Ganepola, J.
2025-12-11
CA -HCC- 046-049-24
Hembathanthrige Ajith Sirimewan Fernando Alias J.V.P. Ajith Vs Officer-in-Charge Police Station Payagala
Hon. B. Sasi Mahendran, J.
consistency, discrepancy
Section 296 of the Penal Code, read with Section 140 of the Penal Code
2025-12-10
CA/RII/0068/2025
Liyana Arachchilage Podisingho Appuhami Vs People's Leasing and Finance PLC,
Hon. R. Gurusinghe, J.
Effect of Sale after decree nisi,
The Recovery of Loans (Special Provisions) Act No. 2 of 1990,
2025-12-10
CA/WRT-0127-20
Wickarama Arachchillage Janith Sampath and 393 others Vs. Central Cultural Fund and 08 others
Hon. K.M.G.H. Kulatunga, J.
Legitimate expectation (substantive & procedural) • Multi-Purpose Development Task Force recruitment policy • Contractual employees • Absorption/attachment • Cadre approval • Recruitment process • Mala fide in law
Article 140 of the Constitution of Sri Lanka
2025-12-10
CA HCC 224/2023
Randunu Pathrannabalage Sudath Sirinimal Vs Hon. Attorney General,
Hon. Amal Ranaraja, J.
Offence of rape – Rape remains a widespread and growing issue in Sri Lanka, casting a long shadow over the nation’s social fabric. It is not merely a crime; it is a curse that strikes at the very heart of the community. It leaves psychological scars on the victims and instils fear among women in society. Addressing this harrowing issue is essential for fostering safety, respect and dignity for all – The issue concerns the fact that the sentence is disproportionate and excessive - Determination of the appropriate punishment to sex offenders – Aggravating circumstances as regards to the offence of rape.
Section 364(2) of the Penal Code
2025-12-09
CA/HCC/ 0175/2023
Ramar Udayakumar alias Appu Vs The Hon. Attorney General
Hon. P. Kumararatnam, J.
• Irregularities in presentation of evidence. • Compromising the Medico Legal Report. • Second statement.
The Penal Code.
2025-12-09
CA/WRT/377/2022
N.F. Sabrina Vs Addalachchenai Pradeshiya Sabha and Others
Hon. Dr. D. F. H. Gunawardhana, J.
The 9th Respondent had constructed an unauthorised building within an area which falls within the Local Authority of Addalachchanei, who is responsible for issuing development permits and Certificates of Conformity on delegated powers given by the Urban Development Authority. Writ issued when the unauthorised construction was challenged.
The Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
2025-12-09
CA HCC 0266/23
Hamburugala Withanage Kelum Sujeewa Abewickrama Vs Hon. Attorney General,
Hon. Amal Ranaraja, J.
Murder – Robbery – One of the key evidentiary matters is the use of dying declarations – Under the maxim “nemo moriturus praesumitur mentiri” – dying declarations are treated as a recognised exception to the hearsay rule – A person facing imminent death without hope of recovery, is believed to have a heightened moral and spiritual obligation to speak the truth – Despite the presumption of trustworthiness, dying declarations are not free from weaknesses – Courts must carefully evaluate their reliability – Discrepancies between the dying declaration and the accused’s dock statement.
Section 32(1) of the Evidence Ordinance No.14 of 1895 - Section 126A, 436 of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act No.15 of 1979 (as amended)
2025-12-08
CA -HCC-298-299/24
Pasadoruge Dilum Tharanga Perera alias Kasadoruge Dilum Tharanga Perera Vs The Hon. Attorney General
Hon. B. Sasi Mahendran, J.
nconsistency, Private defence, Special exception, Deportment and demeanor
Section 296 read with Section 32 of the Penal Code, Section 105 of the Evidence Ordinance, Exception 2 to Section 294 in the Penal Code
2025-12-08
CA/WRt/800/2025
B.R.P.M.A. Devendra Vs Director General of Human Resources and Mission Management of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Another
Hon.Dr. D. F. H. Gunawardhana, J.
An administrative officer in the cadre of Sri Lanka Administrative Service secured a diplomatic appointment on a contractual basis without being absorbed or recruited into the diplomatic service. When recalled concluding his Tour of Duty, it was held that he is only entitled to obtain relief on the contract, not otherwise.
The Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
2025-12-08
CA/HCC/ 0377-381/2019
Duraisamy Chamil Selvam 2. Selliah Balakrishna 3. Irulan Adi Ganeshan 4. Duraisamy Manoharan 5. Selvaraj Sivashakthi Vs. The Attorney General
Srimal Jayasinghe Vs. Deputy Commissioner of Labour and 3 others
Hon. Mayadunne Corea, J.
Necessary parties, fair hearing
The Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka
2025-12-08
CA/WRIT/126/2024
Shanthany Sirisena and Manju Vasvani Vs Condominium Management Authority and 2 others
Hon.. Mahen Gopallawa, J.
condominium property – condominium unit-condominium plan- Condominium Management Authority – striking off company, vesting property in the State – deed of declaration – locus standi – contractual dispute - necessary parties – futility
Condominium Management Authority Law, No. 10 of 1973 (as amended) Apartment Ownership Law, No. 11 of 1973 (as amended) Apartment Ownership (Special Provisions) Act, No. 23 of 2018 Companies Act, No. 7 of 2007 (as amended)
2025-12-08
CA -HCC- 146/2022
Palawattage Nuwan Palawattage Vs The Hon. Attorney General
Hon. B. Sasi Mahendran, J.
Discrepancies, Truthful testimony, Corroboration,
Section 365 B (2) (b) of the Penal Code
2025-12-05
CA (HCC)0027/2024
Weerasingha Appuhamilage Sujeewa Sampath Weerasingha, Vs Hon. Attorney General
Hon. R.P. Hettiarachchi, J.
Statutory Rape-Aggravating Circumstances-Mitigating factors- Degree of pre-planning by the Appellant- Physical and psychological trauma endured by the victim- Deterrence on the society.
Section 364(2) (e) of the Penal Code as amended by the Act No 22 of 1995. - Section 333(5) of the Code of Criminal Procedure Code Act
2025-12-05
CA/WRT-0624-24
Mohamed Althaf Nazeer Vs. P.B.S.C. Nonis, Director General of Customs, Sri Lanka Customs and seven others
Hon. K.M.G.H. Kulatunga, J.
Writ of certiorari • Customs Inquiry • Prematurity • Laches • Illegal importation of cigarettes • Section 8 investigation
Article 140 of the Constitution of Sri Lanka
2025-12-05
CA/WRT/140/2023
L.P.S.A.K. Jayasinghe Vs Senior Deputy Inspector of Police of the Western Province and Others
Hon. Dr. D. F. H. Gunawardhana, J.
The Petitioner, as an entrepreneur, had invested money in an apartment housing complex by purchasing shares thereof — a nuisance caused by certain three-wheel drivers, parking their three- wheels, causing a hindrance at the entrance of the housing complex. The Petitioner made a police complaint for the police to prosecute them for public nuisance. The Magistrate Court refused to entertain a charge based on that; however, entertained a charge of criminal trespass. Writ is sought against the police, compelling them to charge the said three-wheel drivers with public nuisance. Application was refused since evidence has to be considered, and the Petitioner can still obtain relief from the District Court.
The Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
2025-12-05
CA (HCC)0214/2019
Devasagayam Fernando alias Oliver Vs Hon. Attorney General,
Hon. R.P. Hettiarachchi, J.
Possession and trafficking of heroin- Credibility of the prosecution’s version- Dock statement-Chain of custody- Importance of maintaining notes
Sections 54A (b) and 54A (d) of the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance as amended by Act No. 13 of 1984.
furnishing security in cash against arbitral award under Industrial Dispute Act, is mandatory, should be deposited in the required time, and the court cannot extend the said time, bypassing the statutory provision
Article 140 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka., Section 31DDDDD of the Industrial Disputes Act (Amended IDA) Act No. 22 of 2022
2025-12-03
CA -HCC- 218/ 24
Duminda Dinesh Liyanage Vs The Hon. Attorney General
Hon. B. Sasi Mahendran, J.
mitigation, absconding,
2025-12-03
CA/WRT-0146-22
I. M. D. Illangasinghe alias I. M. Dhammika Vs. Hon. Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, PC - Chairman, Judicial Service Commission, and others
Hon. K.M.G.H. Kulatunga, J.
Judicial Service Commission (JSC) • Disciplinary inquiry • Termination of Judicial Officer • Laches / delay • Egregious conduct • Pattern of repeated legal errors
Article 140 of the Constitution of Sri Lanka • Code of Criminal Procedure Act — Section 425
2025-12-03
CA(PHC)0028/2021
Yakalla Kankanamge Sumanasena and Another Vs. Samarawickrama Liyanage Nalin Randika and 3 Others
Hon. K. M. S. DISSANAYAKE, J
The mere fact that the dispute that has arisen between the parties is one with regard to the possession of a paddy land, does not in any manner, oust the jurisdiction of a Magistrate vested in him by Part VII of the Primary Courts Procedure Act No. 44 of 1979, by the provisions of the Agrarian Development Act of 46 of 2000 except only when it relates to a dispute with regard to the tenurial rights of a tenant cultivator.
Article 138 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka -Section 11 of the High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act No. 19 of 1990 -Part 1 of The Court of Appeal (Procedure for Appeals from High Courts) Rules 1988-Agrarian Development Act No. 46 of 2000-Section 66(1)(a) of the Primary Courts Procedure Act No. 44 of 1979.
2025-12-03
CA/HCC/ 0139-142/2020
Diyapaththugama Vidanalage Kumara Samarasinghe and others Vs The Hon. Attorney General
Hon. P. Kumararatnam, J.
Eye witness. • Contradictions and Omissions
The Penal Code.
2025-12-02
CA(PHC)APN 0040/25
Sudheera Parakkrama Jinadasa Vs The Director General Commissioner to Investigate Allegation of Bribery and Corruption, Colombo-07.
Balakrishnan Puvanenthirarasa and another Vs K.D. Bandula Jayasinghe, Land Commissioner General and others.
Hon. K.M.G.H. Kulatunga, J.
Laches/delay • Suppression of material facts • Unauthorized occupation • State Land alienation • Land Development Ordinance (LDO) Permit
Article 140 of the Constitution of Sri Lanka • Land Development Ordinance (LDO) • State Lands (Recovery of Possession) Act
2025-12-02
CA HCC 101/2019
Kiribandage Kapilawansha Upuwila, Vs The Hon. Attorney General,
Hon. Amal Ranaraja, J.
Courts must evaluate evidence holistically, rather than a piecemeal analysis; considering both the prosecution’s and the accused’s testimonies together. This allows a fair assessment of each side’s strengths and weaknesses.
Section 19(a), (c) and (d) of the Bribery Act (as amended)
2025-12-02
CA HCC 62-65/2020
Gallage Rohana Pushpakumara and others Vs The Hon. Attorney General,
Hon. Amal Ranaraja, J.
The burden of proving every element of a criminal charge beyond a reasonable doubt rests upon the prosecution – A single credible witness is sufficient, as the law does not require any specific number of witnesses to establish a fact – In the instant case, the conviction cannot be sustained as the prosecution has failed to prove the essential legal elements of the offence beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sections 32, 140, 146 and 296 of the Penal Code.
2025-12-02
CA (HCC)0229/2023
Weerasinghe Pathiranage Somasiri Vs The Hon. Attorney General,
CA (HCC)0229/2023
Grave sexual abuse-Contradictions and omissions- Contradictions that go to the root of the case-Inability to recount an incident with photographic precision- Violation of the established principles of the law of evidence
Section 365B(2)(b) of the Penal Code, as amended by Acts No. 22 of 1995, No. 29 of 1998, and No. 16 of 2006. - Section 154 of the Evidence Ordinance - Section 334(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure Code Act No. 15 of 1979
2025-12-02
CA / WRIT/ 132/2015
Pussellawa Plantations Limited Vs Hon. Minister of Plantation Industries and others
Hon. Dhammika Ganepola, J.
2025-12-02
CA/HCC/ 0139/2024
Rasika Nalin Kumara Rana Vs The Hon. Attorney General
Gamage Thilak Pushpa Kumara Vs Hon. Attorney General
Hon.R.P. Hettiarachchi, J.
Contradictions inter se -Improbableness
Sections 54A (b) and 54A (d) of the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance as amended by Act No. 13 of 1984.
2025-12-02
CA/WRT/0333/2022
P.A.M. Wijasekera Vs Commander of the Air Force
Hon. R. Gurusinghe, J.
Conduct of the portioner. Disastrous consequences of granting the Writ
The Air Force Act
2025-12-02
CA/ CPA/ 055/2024
Sheila Kumari Fernando Vs Pattiya Kumburage Indika Prasanna and another
Hon. Damith Thotawatte, J.
Revision of a revision, Concurrent revisionary jurisdiction, Permissive approach and Restrictive approach, Article 138 of the Constitution, Section 9 of the Act No. 19 of 1990.
The Primary Court’s Procedure Act, No. 44 of 1979, The High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act No. 19 of 1990
2025-12-02
CA/PHC/0190/2018
Thiruwam Cooray Muhandiramge Nihal and Another Vs. Badureliya Arachchige Palitha Ariyarne and Another
Hon. K. M. S. DISSANAYAKE, J.
Can an objection be taken by the Respondent to an application made to Court by the competent authority under section 5 of the State Land (Recovery of Possession) Act No. 07 of 1979 (as amended) that the Respondent is not the competent authority within the meaning of the Act.
Articles 138 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, State Land (Recovery of Possession) Act No. 07 1979 (as amended)-Sections 3, 4, 5(1), 6, 7, 8, 9(1) and 9(2) and 10.
2025-12-02
CA (HCC)0059/2023
Widana Gamage Sudesh Milan Vs The Hon. Attorney General,
Hon. R.P. Hettiarachchi, J.
Grave sexual abuse- short comings in the medical evidence-Probability of the prosecution’s version
Section 365B(2)(b) of the Penal Code, as amended by Acts No. 22 of 1995, No. 29 of 1998, and No. 16 of 2006. - Section 114 (f) of the Evidence Ordinance
2025-12-02
CA/WRT/0580-24
Refinitiv Limited (Formerly Reuters Limited) London Stock Exchange Group, Trace Expert City, Vs Hon. Anil Jayantha Fernando Minister of Labour,
Hon. Adithya Patabendige, J.
Writ of Certiorari, Contract of Employment, Contract for Employment, Unexplained Delay, Abuse of Court Process
Article 140 of the Constitution of the Socialist Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka
2025-12-02
CA (HCC)0157/2023
Mohamed Asmeer Mohamed Asmeen Vs Hon. Attorney General,
Hon. R.P. Hettiarachchi, J.
Possession and trafficking of heroin-Improbability- Credibility of the prosecution witnesses-Burden of proof
Section 241 of the Criminal Procedure Code Act No. 15 of 1979 - Sections 54A (1)(b) and 54A (1)(d) of the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance as amended by Act No.41 of 2022
