History of the High Court

The Foundation

Origins of the Judicial System

The judicial history of Sri Lanka is a rich tapestry woven through centuries of legal evolution, influenced by Roman-Dutch law, English Common Law, and indigenous legal traditions. The modern High Court of Sri Lanka, as it stands today, traces its definitive roots to the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (1978).

Prior to this, the administration of justice was handled through a complex hierarchy of courts established under the Administration of Justice Law of 1973 and earlier British colonial charters. The 1978 Constitution streamlined this system, explicitly establishing the High Court as the highest court of first instance for criminal jurisdiction.

The Provincial High Courts

A significant milestone in the history of the High Court was the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which paved the way for the establishment of Provincial High Courts. This decentralization ensured that justice was more accessible to citizens across the island, allowing commercial and civil appeals to be heard closer to their point of origin.

"Justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done." — Historic Legal Maxim

Modern Era & Digitalization

In recent decades, the High Court has undergone significant modernization. From the introduction of specialized High Courts for commercial and financial crimes to the recent implementation of the Electronic Filing System (E-Filing), the court continues to evolve to meet the demands of the 21st century while upholding its sacred duty to the rule of law.