Provincial Civil Appellate Courts, a radical change in judiciary

Sarath Malalasekera

The establishment of Provincial Civil Appellate Courts helped clear the backlog of cases to a great deal, Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Nayake Thera said. Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva PC pioneered this progressive move.

The Nayake Thera was addressing a felicitation ceremony of Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva PC who initiated Provincial Civil Appellate Courts.

A large number of judicial officers, Supreme Court Judges, Judges of the Court of Appeal, Judges of the Commercial High Courts, High Courts, District Courts and Magistrate’s Courts and several other distinguished invitees were present at the ceremony at the BMICH.

The establishment of Provincial Civil Appellate Courts has brought about a remarkable change in the working of the judiciary. Earlier, the people from different parts of the country had to come to Colombo where the cases were heard. Some cases continued for 25 to 30 years.

Litigants faced enormous difficulties and the situation is largely improving today under the new dispensation. “We have to appreciate the Chief Justice’s initiative to introduce the new system and thereby alleviate the difficulties of the poor litigants,” the Nayake Thera added.

National Foundation for Children’s Education, Director Ven. Badagiriye Somawansa Thera said the judicial system was commissioned in 1801 in Sri Lanka. The new Provincial Civil Appellate Courts effected a radical change in the judicial structure. There was a backlog of 16,000 cases by 1999.

It is primarily due to the interest on the part of the Chief Justice that the progressive move succeeded.

Viharadhipathi Sambodhi Viharaya, Colombo Ven. Daranagama Kusaladhamma Thera said the Chief Justice has rendered a yeoman service to the judiciary.

He is a principled Buddhist who shunned racial, caste and religious differences. His vision was justice for all.

Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara said the progress of the new provincial Appellate Court system should be renewed to rectify shortcomings.