History of the Provincial Civil Appellate High Court

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

Establishment of the Court

The Provincial Civil Appellate High Court of the Eastern Province Holden at Kalmunai was established on 1st of August 2008 with the objective of strengthening the administration of civil appellate justice within the Eastern Province and improving public access to the appellate judicial system. The Court derives its jurisdiction from Article 154P of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act, No. 19 of 1990, as amended by Act No. 54 of 2006, which vested Provincial High Courts with appellate and revisionary jurisdiction over judgments, decrees and orders of the District Courts and Family Courts within their respective provinces.

The appellate procedure before this Court is governed by the provisions of the Civil Procedure Code (Chapter 101), particularly Sections 753 to 760 relating to civil appeals and Sections 765 to 777 governing revisionary proceedings and other appellate procedures. These provisions regulate the filing, hearing, determination and disposal of civil appeals, ensuring that justice is administered in accordance with due process and established legal principles.

Provincial Civil Appellate High Court Building

Legislative Milestone

Act No. 54 of 2006

Vesting Provincial High Courts with appellate and revisionary jurisdiction over judgments, decrees, and orders of District Courts and Family Courts.

A Specialized Forum for Adjudication

As a Provincial Civil Appellate High Court, the Court exercises appellate jurisdiction to review judgments, decrees and orders delivered by the District Courts within the Eastern Province. Its principal function is to examine whether the courts of first instance have correctly applied the law and properly evaluated the evidence, thereby correcting errors of law or fact where necessary and ensuring the fair and consistent administration of justice.

Provincial Civil Appellate High Court Building

Commitment to Judicial Efficiency

Since its establishment in 2008, the Provincial Civil Appellate High Court of the Eastern Province Holden at Kalmunai has played a significant role in safeguarding the rule of law, promoting public confidence in the judicial system, and ensuring that civil disputes are resolved fairly, impartially and in accordance with the law.