SUSPENSION OF SITTINGS OF COURT
I append a determination of the Honourable Chief Justice under Rule 62(1) and (2) of the Supreme Court Rules 1978.
I am also directed by The Hon. Chief Justice to draw your attention to Para (3) of the said Rules which reads as follows: –
“During the period of suspension of sittings of Court of First Instance the Judge of that Court shall, unless he has previously taken leave, be available at his station for the disposal of any urgent matters”
Aravinda Gunaratne
REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT
DETERMINATION UNDER RULE 62 ( 1 ) AND ( 2 ) OF THE SUPREME COURT
RULES 1978 ( SUSPENSION OF SITTINGS OF COURTS )
I hereby determine that: –
1. The date for the commencement of the first period of suspension of sittings of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Courts of First Instance in the year 2026 will be on Monday the 06th April 2026.
The ordinary sittings of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal will be resumed on Monday the 27th of April 2026.
The ordinary sittings of the High Courts will be resumed on Wednesday the 22nd of April 2026.
The ordinary sittings of the other Courts of First Instance will be resumed on Monday the 20th of April 2026.
2. The date for the commencement of the second period of suspension of sittings of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Courts of First Instance in the year 2026 will be on Monday the 10th of August 2026.
The ordinary sittings of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal will be resumed on Monday the 24th of August 2026.
The ordinary sittings of the High Courts will be resumed on Wednesday 19th of August 2026.
The ordinary sittings of the other Courts of First Instance will be resumed on Monday the 17th of August 2026.
3 . The date for the commencement of the third period of suspension of sittings of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Court of First Instance in the year2026 will be on Monday the 21st of December 2026.
The ordinary sittings of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal will be resumed on Monday the 11th of January 2027.
The ordinary sittings of the High Courts will be resumed on on Wednesday the 06th of January 2027.
The ordinary sittings of the other Courts of First Instance will be resumed on Monday the 04th of January 2027.
In the event first day of court sitting falls on a Public Holiday the ordinary sittings of the Courts will be resumed on the Next Day.
07th April 2025.
Sgd./
CHIEF JUSTIC