Book on Powers of Attorney

Sarath MALALASEKERA

COLOMBO: The legal aspects relating to the concept of Powers of Attorney falls within the ambit of Law of Agency, said Supreme Court Judge, Justice Dr. Shirani A. Bandaranayake receiving the first copy of the law book titled "Law relating to Powers of Attorney", authored by Senior Attorney-at-Law D.A.P. Weeratna at Justice Bandaranayake's chambers recently.

Justice Bandaranayake said the maxim, commonly known as Qui facit per alium facit perse (he who does an act through another is deemed in law to do it himself), enunciates the general doctrine on which the law relating to the rights and liabilities of principal and agent depends.

The importance of this maxim is clearly evident by the words of Tindal, CJ, in Cuming v Toms (8 Scott NR 827 at pg. 830) where it was stated that it is of almost universal application.

Senior practitioner in the original Courts D.A.P. Weeratna has carried out a thorough study considering all the important legal aspects pertaining to the concept of Power of Attorney.

His work contains not only the important cases in this field, but also a collection of useful Latin maxims and phrases relevant to Power of Attorney.

"I am confident that this Book would be of immense benefit not only to the practitioner but also to the student of law," Justice Bandaranayake said.

"I congratulate Mr. Weeratna for his untiring efforts to enrich the legal literature in this country and wish him every success in his future endeavour," Justice Bandaranayake added.