History of the Civil Appellate High Court

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

Establishment of the Court

The Civil Appellate High Court of Western Province holden at Mount Lavinia was opened, on 04.07.2008, by the then Chief Justice, Hon. Sarath N. Silva, as part of a massive project aimed at avoiding laws delays, expediting the exercise of Appellate jurisdiction over Judgments and Orders made by the District Courts.

Thus for the introduction of this system of the exercise of Appellate Jurisdiction hitherto vested in the Court of Appeal, High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act No. 19 of 1990 was amended by the Act No. 54 of 2006 and the powers of the High Court of the Provinces were expanded to hear appeals and revision Applications from the District Courts and Family Courts.

Civil Appellate High Court Building

Legislative Milestone

Act No. 54 of 2006

Statutory amendment expanding provincial jurisdiction to hear civil appeals and revision applications.

A Specialized Forum for Adjudication

Since its inauguration in July 2008, the Court has served as an essential provincial appellate seat in the Western Province, relieving the congestion of civil litigation in the Court of Appeal and providing litigants expeditious determinations on civil disputes.

Civil Appellate High Court Building

Commitment to Judicial Efficiency

This Court is functioning to date, successfully, through the endeavours of the Judges, past and present, and the staff, also with the cooperation of the legal profession.