History Section

HIGH COURT GAMPAHA

The Gampaha High Court is a premier judicial institution within the Western Province of Sri Lanka, holding a rich legal history and playing a vital role in the country's administration of justice. Its evolution reflects the continuous growth and modernization of the regional legal framework.

Serving as a key pillar in the administration of justice across the Gampaha judicial zone, the court complex has progressively expanded its facilities and jurisdictions to meet the rising legal and civil demands of the community.

Gampaha High Court

Gampaha High Court

Western Province

1. Constitutional Establishment and Jurisdiction

The 1978 Framework

  • The modern High Court system in Sri Lanka was established under the Judicature Act No. 2 of 1978 and Article 111 of the 1978 Constitution.
  • The Gampaha High Court was created as a court of first instance to exercise criminal jurisdiction over the Gampaha judicial zone.

Provincial High Court Powers

  • With the introduction of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution (Article 154P), Provincial High Courts were established.
  • This significantly expanded the Gampaha High Court's scope, granting it both criminal and civil appellate jurisdictions to hear appeals from lower courts in the region.

2. Evolution of the Court Complex

Colonial Beginnings

  • During the British colonial era, minor courts and district tribunals handled the legal matters of Gampaha.
  • As the population grew, the necessity for a centralized, robust judicial infrastructure became clear.

Modern Court Complex

  • Over the years, the facilities evolved into the comprehensive Gampaha Court Complex located in the heart of Gampaha town.
  • This complex now houses the High Court, District Court, and Magistrate Court under one centralized location.

3. Recent Milestones and Expansion

  • Additional High Court (2018): To address the heavy backlog of cases and speed up the legal process for citizens in the Gampaha district, an Additional High Court was officially established and opened in Gampaha on May 14, 2018.

Timeline Summary

  • British Era: Legal matters managed via early minor courts and district tribunals.
  • 1978: Gampaha High Court established under the Judicature Act No. 2 of 1978 and Article 111.
  • 13th Amendment: Introduction of Article 154P, empowering Provincial High Courts with appellate jurisdictions.
  • 2018: Additional High Court inaugurated on May 14, 2018, to alleviate case backlogs.
  • Present: Continues serving as a principal pillar of justice in the Gampaha Judicial Zone.