History Section

HIGH COURT NEGOMBO

With initiating Kegalle High Court, Court Sessions have been conducted by Hon. High Court Judge of Kandy since 1974 to 1988. After that, the Kegalle High Court has been established as a permanent High Court, appointing Hon. R.B. Ranaraja as the High Court Judge. Kegalle High Court being initiated as a Permanent High Court, it was being proceeded only hearing of cases and the accounting procedure has been implemented by the High Court of Rathnapura. After 1994 Kegalle High Court is Proceeding both hearing of cases and accounting procedure up to now.

The Negombo High Court is one of the High Courts of Sri Lanka, serving the Negombo Judicial Zone in the Sabaragamuwa Province. While there is limited published information on the history of the individual court building itself, its development is closely linked to the evolution of Sri Lanka's High Court system.

Negombo High Court

Negombo High Court

Sabaragamuwa Province

Historical Background

Before 1973

  • Serious criminal cases from the Negombo area were generally tried under the older judicial system, with the Supreme Court exercising original criminal jurisdiction in certain cases.

1973 – Establishment of the High Court System

  • The modern High Court system was introduced under the Administration of Justice Law No. 44 of 1973.
  • High Courts became the principal courts of first instance for serious criminal offences throughout Sri Lanka.
  • During this period, the Negombo High Court was established as one of the country's judicial zones.

1978 Constitution

  • The 1978 Constitution and the Judicature Act No. 2 of 1978 formally recognized the High Court as a superior court of first instance.
  • The Act organized High Courts into judicial zones and provided for High Court Judges appointed by the President.

1987 Constitutional Changes

  • The 11th Amendment broadened the jurisdiction of the High Court, allowing Parliament to assign additional powers beyond criminal trials.
  • Provincial High Courts were later introduced for certain appellate and civil matters, while courts such as the Negombo High Court continued primarily handling serious criminal cases.

Jurisdiction

The Negombo High Court hears indictable offences, including:

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Robbery
  • Major fraud
  • Drug trafficking
  • Other serious criminal offences

It also exercises certain appellate functions as provided by law.

Notable Facts

  • The Negombo High Court has been functioning since the 1970s as part of Sri Lanka's national High Court network.
  • Several distinguished High Court Judges have served there before being promoted to the Court of Appeal or Supreme Court. For example, former Supreme Court Judge Mark Fernando served at the Kegalle High Court during his High Court career.

Timeline

  • Before 1973: Serious criminal cases handled under the older judicial system.
  • 1973: High Court system established; Kegalle High Court created as a judicial zone.
  • 1978: Judicature Act and Constitution formalized the High Court structure.
  • 1987: High Court jurisdiction expanded through constitutional reforms.
  • Present: Continues as the principal court for serious criminal cases in the Negombo Judicial Zone.