History of the Civil Appellate High Court

Strengthening the efficiency of the civil justice system in Sri Lanka.

Establishment of the Court

Western Province Civil Appellate High Court, Gampaha was declared open by Hon. Sarath N. Silva, Chief Justice of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on 08th of June 2007, with the participation of Hon. Dilan Perera, Minister of Justice on the invitation of Hon. Amarasiri Dodangoda, Minister of Justice and Law Reforms.

Originally, all civil appeals from across the country had to be directed to the Court of Appeal in Colombo. To address severe case delays, the Parliament enacted the High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) (Amendment) Act, No. 54 of 2006, which mandated the creation of Civil Appellate High Courts in the provinces.

Civil Appellate High Court Building

Statutory Origin

Act No. 54 of 2006

Enacted by Parliament to address severe case delays by establishing Civil Appellate High Courts in the provinces.

A Specialized Forum for Adjudication

Under these reforms, the Gampaha Civil Appellate High Court was set up to serve the Western Province’s heavy caseload, providing immense relief to the local public and legal professionals by eliminating the need to travel to Colombo. This court holds the power to hear civil appeals and revision applications arising from regional District Courts: Gampaha, Attanagalla, Mahara, and Pugoda.

Civil Appellate High Court Building

Commitment to Judicial Efficiency

Proceedings are typically presided over by a bench consisting of two High Court Judges. An appeal shall lie directly to the Supreme Court from any judgment, decree or order pronounced or entered by a High Court established by Article 154P of the Constitution in the exercise of its jurisdiction under Section 5A of this Act, with leave of the Supreme Court first had and obtained.