History Section

HIGH COURT KANDY

The Kandy High Court serves as the primary legal bulwark safeguarding the right to life, personal liberty, and justice for the people of the Central Province. Originating from the judicial structure established following the British takeover of the Kandyan Kingdom in 1815, it evolved into the present Provincial High Court system through the 13th Amendment to the Constitution (Article 154P) enacted in 1987.

The role played by the Kandy High Court in safeguarding human rights and the right to a fair trial is paramount. The court is bound to uphold the equality of all individuals before the law, allowing both victims and defendants to stand impartially for their rights.

Historically housed in a Victorian building adjacent to the Temple of the Tooth complex, the court was later relocated to the modern judicial complex on William Gopallawa Mawatha to preserve the sacred site and afford the public easier access to judicial services.

Kandy High Court

Kandy High Court

Central Province

Historical Evolution & Heritage

1815 – Colonial Origins

  • Judicial structures in the region originated following the British takeover of the Kandyan Kingdom in 1815, integrating regional custom with British administrative justice.
  • For generations, court proceedings were held in a historic Victorian structure situated adjacent to the sacred Temple of the Tooth complex.

1987 – Modern Constitutional Foundation

  • The 13th Amendment to the Constitution (Article 154P) in 1987 established the modern Provincial High Court framework, formally empowering the High Court of the Central Province.

Relocation to Modern Judicial Complex

  • To protect and preserve the sacred heritage environment surrounding Sri Dalada Maligawa and enhance judicial access, the court relocated to its dedicated judicial complex along William Gopallawa Mawatha.

Primary Functions & Protection of Rights

The Kandy High Court performs essential functions in safeguarding constitutional freedoms and the administration of justice:

  • Trial of Serious Criminal Offenses: Impartially trying cases instituted by the Attorney General regarding grave offenses—such as murder, rape, and child abuse—that directly challenge human rights and personal safety, thereby dispensing justice to victims.
  • Writ and Revisional Jurisdiction: Issuing prerogative writs and revisional orders to provide swift relief to the public against executive overreach, arbitrary decisions by lower tribunals, or procedural human rights violations.
  • Fair Trial & Equality Before Law: Ensuring due process and impartial judicial treatment for both victims and defendants in accordance with constitutional guarantees.

Milestones Timeline

  • 1815: Introduction of British judicial mechanisms in the Kandyan Kingdom.
  • Victorian Era: Establishment of court administration within the historic complex near the Temple of the Tooth.
  • 1987: Enactment of the 13th Amendment (Article 154P), creating the Provincial High Court framework.
  • Modern Era: Relocation to the judicial complex on William Gopallawa Mawatha, continuing as the primary judicial pillar for the Central Province.