High Court Judges Hasitha Saman Ponnamperuma and Chinthaka Srinath Gunasekara appointed
New Additional Civil Appellate High Court Commences in Colombo
Under the direction of Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, a new Additional Civil Appellate High Court (CAHC) commenced operations in Colombo today (October 13).
The establishment of this court marks an important step in strengthening the efficiency and responsiveness of Sri Lanka’s appellate judicial system. The High Court Civil Appellate in Colombo, which previously operated with a single courthouse, will now have an additional Civil Appellate High Court to enhance efficiency.
Created in accordance with Section 5B of the Provincial High Courts (Special Provisions) (Amendment) Act No. 54 of 2006, the new court will exercise civil appellate jurisdiction with the objective of expediting proceedings and ensuring the timely delivery of justice.
High Court Judges Hasitha Saman Ponnamperuma and Chinthaka Srinath Gunasekara have been appointed to preside over the newly established bench.
The inaugural sitting of the new court was held today, with High Court Judge Chinthaka Srinath Gunasekara presiding. High Court Judge Indika Attanayake also sat on the bench, temporarily substituting for High Court Judge Hasitha Saman Ponnamperuma, who is currently overseas on official duties.
This initiative is part of Chief Justice Surasena’s broader measures aimed at enhancing judicial capacity, reducing case congestion, and strengthening public confidence in the administration of justice.
Furthermore, steps are underway to establish specialized courts for bribery and corruption cases and for matters involving women and children, to ensure more focused and efficient adjudication in these key areas.
