History of the Civil Appellate High Court

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

Establishment of the Court

The decentralization of Sri Lanka's judicial structure was initially set up under Article 154P of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in 1987. However, provincial High Courts were not originally vested with Civil Appellate Jurisdiction, causing severe backlogs in the Court of Appeal in Colombo.

To address these delays, the High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act No. 54 of 2006 was enacted. Following these reforms, the Civil Appellate High Court of Kalutara was formally established on 02 November 2007, marking a landmark milestone in the judicial history of the Kalutara District.

Civil Appellate High Court Building

Legislative Foundation

Act No. 54 of 2006

Statutory empowerment granting Provincial High Courts jurisdiction over civil appeals and revisions.

A Specialized Forum for Adjudication

The Kalutara Court complex—situated between Galle Road and the coastal railway line—occupies a site of deep historical significance, preserving a 15th-century Kotte Kingdom pillar inscription confirming the premises as a key centre of governance for centuries.

Civil Appellate High Court Building

Commitment to Judicial Efficiency

To ensure fairness, legal rigor, and consistency, appeals and revisions before this court are statutorily heard and adjudicated by a bench comprising two High Court Judges.