History of the Southern Provincial High Court of Civil Appeal

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

Establishment of the Court

Southern Provincial High Court of Civil Appeal Galle represents a long evolution of judicial administration in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province. 13th Amendment (1987) under Article 154P of the 1978 Constitution (Introduced Via the 13th Amendment in 1987) Provincial High Courts were established across Sri Lanka. This Devolved Judicial authority to the provinces and allowed High Courts to exercise both Original Criminal jurisdiction and provincial appellate/ decisional jurisdiction.

To address heavy Case backlogs in Colombo, Parliament enacted the High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act No. 54 of 2006. This Created dedicated High Courts of Civil Appeal. Prior to this, all Civil appeals from District Courts had to go Straight to the Court of Appeal in Colombo.

Southern Provincial High Court of Civil Appeal Building

Legislative Milestone

Act No. 54 of 2006

High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act No. 54 of 2006 created dedicated High Courts of Civil Appeal to address heavy case backlogs.

A Specialized Forum for Adjudication

The establishment of the Civil Appeal High Court in Galle enabled litigants in the Southern Province to appeal District Court Civil decisions locally, significantly expediting dispute resolution. The Civil Appeal High Court in Galle Operates with a bench of two High Court Judges. Southern Province Civil Appeal High Court Galle was declared open on 05th October 2007.

Southern Provincial High Court of Civil Appeal Building

Commitment to Judicial Efficiency

The Civil Appeal High Court of Galle is presently located at No. 44, Lower Dickson Road, Galle. The premises had Originally been constructed and used as the official residence of the Galle High Court Judge. Following the relocation of the Civil Appeal High Court to this location in 2006, the building was converted and adapted to meet the administrative and judicial requirements of the Court. Since that time, the premises have remained in Continuous use for the functioning of the Civil Appeal High Court of Galle, accommodating its Courtrooms, Chambers, registry, record room, administrative offices, and other supporting facilities necessary for the proper discharge of its judicial functions.