Sri Lanka has seven courts of first instance, two superior courts, and a set of appellate routes that the Judicature (Amendment) Act No. 34 of 2022 rewrote. Filing in the wrong one costs months. Answer the questions below and the tool names the forum — and the section it comes from, so you can check it.
Step 01
What kind of matter is it?
Start with the broadest division. Sri Lanka's courts are arranged by subject matter first and by value second, so what the dispute is about decides more than what it is worth.
What this tool does
It states the statutory position.
Every answer carries the section and the Act it rests on, taken from the Judicature Act as consolidated to 2023, the Constitution, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the two High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Acts. Where a figure moves by Ministerial Order rather than by amendment — the Small Claims ceiling and the Commercial High Court threshold both do — the instrument and its date are given so you can check whether it has moved again.
What it does not do
It does not advise on your case.
Jurisdiction is decided on how a claim is framed, and how a claim is framed is the work. The same facts can found an action in contract, in delict, or in restitution, and the forum can differ in each. A cause of action that looks like a debt may be excluded from the Primary Court by the Fourth Schedule, or caught by a Mediation Board, or joined to a claim that moves the whole action. Nothing here is advice on your own facts, and no answer below should be filed on without them.
Every forum this tool can name
The whole map, without the questions.
Nineteen answers, each with its statutory basis, its appeal route and the qualification that matters. If you already know where you are going, read it here.
Court of first instance
Small Claims Court — money and movable property up to Rs 2 million
A claim for the recovery of money or of movable property up to Rs 2 million, excluding interest, goes to the Small Claims Court, which has exclusive original civil jurisdiction over the actions in the Seventh Schedule to the Judicature Act. The District Court sits as the Small Claims Court when exercising that jurisdiction, and the matter is taken by the special procedure in the Small Claims Courts' Procedure Act No. 33 of 2022. The figure is the most commonly misstated fact about this court: the Act was passed with Rs 1.5 million and almost every published account still says so.
Statutory basis
Judicature Act No. 2 of 1978, s. 29A(1)
Shall have exclusive original civil jurisdiction and shall have cognizance of and full power to hear and determine all actions specified in the Seventh Schedule hereto.
Judicature Act, Seventh Schedule
Any action for the recovery of money (either as a debt or fee or payment or damage or demand); any action for the recovery of movable property; any action for a counterclaim; any other jurisdiction as is conferred upon it by any other law.
Judicature Act, s. 29A(2)
Shall not exceed a sum of rupees one million and five hundred thousand excluding interest, or such other amount as may be fixed by the Minister from time to time, by an Order published in the Gazette. Section 29A(3) provides that such an Order has no effect until Parliament approves it and the approval is notified in the Gazette.
Order in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2328/16 of 21 April 2023, approved 3 October 2023, notified in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2354/21 of 19 October 2023
Raised the ceiling from Rs 1,500,000 to Rs 2,000,000. Section 29A(3) makes an Order under s. 29A(2) ineffective until Parliament approves it and the approval is notified in the Gazette, so the operative date is the notification, not the Order.
Judicature Act, s. 29B
May be taken by the special procedure for Small Claims Court as provided in the Small Claims Courts' Procedure Act, No. 33 of 2022.
Mediation Boards Act No. 72 of 1988, s. 7(1)(a), as amended by the Mediation Board (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2024
No court of first instance shall entertain a dispute over property, a debt, damage or demand below Rs 1,000,000 without a report under s. 12(2) or a certificate of non-settlement under s. 14A. The figure was Rs 500,000 under the 2016 amendment.
Where an appeal lies
To the Civil Appellate High Court of the Province, under section 5A of the High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act No. 19 of 1990.
The qualification: A claim below Rs 1,000,000 cannot be filed here first. Section 7(1) of the Mediation Boards Act bars a court of first instance from entertaining a dispute over property, a debt, damage or demand below that figure without a report under section 12(2) or a certificate of non-settlement under section 14A. Two further exclusions apply however small the claim is: the proviso to section 29A(1), repeated in section 2 of the Procedure Act, removes any action filed under Chapter LIII of the Civil Procedure Code — the summary procedure on liquid claims — and any action for the recovery of money for which special provision is made under another written law.
The District Court has unlimited original jurisdiction in all civil, revenue, trust, insolvency and testamentary matters that are not exclusively assigned elsewhere. A money claim above the Small Claims ceiling, and a commercial claim that does not reach the Commercial High Court's threshold, is filed here.
Statutory basis
Judicature Act No. 2 of 1978, s. 19 (as replaced by Act No. 34 of 2022)
Shall within its district have unlimited original jurisdiction in all civil, revenue, trust, insolvency and testamentary matters, save and except such of the aforesaid matters as are by or under Chapter VA of this Act or by virtue of the provisions of any other enactment exclusively assigned by way of original jurisdiction to any other court.
Where an appeal lies
First appeal to the Civil Appellate High Court of the Province (s. 5A, Act No. 19 of 1990); a second appeal lies to the Supreme Court only with leave, where the matter involves a substantial question of law (s. 5C(1)).
The qualification: The Commercial High Court's threshold is fixed by Ministerial Order and has moved three times. A claim that is below it today may not be below it at the date of filing.
Land goes to the District Court, whose original civil jurisdiction is unlimited and is not capped by the value of the land. A partition action is expressly excluded from the Primary Court by the Fourth Schedule to the Judicature Act, irrespective of the value of the claim, so it too is filed in the District Court.
Statutory basis
Judicature Act No. 2 of 1978, s. 19 (as replaced by Act No. 34 of 2022)
Unlimited original jurisdiction in all civil, revenue, trust, insolvency and testamentary matters, save and except such … as are … exclusively assigned by way of original jurisdiction to any other court.
Judicature Act, s. 32(2) and Fourth Schedule, item (4)
The Primary Courts shall have no jurisdiction in respect of the disputes referred to in the Fourth Schedule hereto, irrespective of the value of such claim — item (4) being 'any action for the partition or sale of immovable property'.
Where an appeal lies
To the Civil Appellate High Court of the Province (s. 5A, Act No. 19 of 1990).
The qualification: The Fourth Schedule excludes thirty-six classes of action from the Primary Court whatever the amount, partition, mortgage and contract among them. A small figure does not make a land dispute a small claim.
District Court, sitting as the Family Court — divorce, custody and matrimonial property
There is no separate building. The District Court of each judicial district is deemed to be the Family Court when it exercises family jurisdiction, and that jurisdiction is sole: divorce, nullity, separation, damages for adultery, alimony, matrimonial property, custody of minor children, dependants' claims, guardianship, legitimacy and adoption. An application for the care and custody of a minor takes precedence over everything else in the list and is heard from day to day.
Statutory basis
Judicature Act No. 2 of 1978, s. 5(1) (as replaced by Act No. 34 of 2022)
There shall be in each judicial district of Sri Lanka a 'District Court' which shall be deemed to be the 'Family Court' when exercising the jurisdiction vested in a Family Court under this Act or any written law.
Judicature Act, s. 24(1)
Sole original jurisdiction in respect of matrimonial disputes, actions for divorce, nullity and separation, damages for adultery, claims for alimony, disputes between spouses, parents and children as to matrimonial property, custody of minor children, dependants' claims, guardianship and curatorship matters, claims in respect of declaration of legitimacy and illegitimacy and marriage, adoption and applications for amendment of birth registration entries.
Judicature Act, s. 29(3)
All applications for the care and custody of minor children shall take precedence over all other matters in every Family Court and shall, unless exceptional circumstances so warrant, be heard from day to day.
Judicature Act, s. 26
There shall be for every judicial district an officer who shall be called the 'Family Counsellor'.
Where an appeal lies
To the Civil Appellate High Court of the Province (s. 5A, Act No. 19 of 1990).
The qualification: Marriages under the Kandyan and Muslim laws are governed by their own statutes, and the reach of the Family Court's jurisdiction over them is not uniform. Take advice on which regime applies before filing.
Court of first instance
District Court — probate and letters of administration
Testamentary matters belong to the District Court. It grants probate of a will and appoints administrators of the estates of those who die intestate, and it determines whether a document propounded as a last will is valid.
Statutory basis
Judicature Act No. 2 of 1978, s. 21
To appoint … administrators of the estates and effects of any persons dying either intestate …; to inquire into and determine upon the validity of any document … as and for the last will and testament … and to grant probate thereof.
Judicature Act, s. 19
Unlimited original jurisdiction in all civil, revenue, trust, insolvency and testamentary matters.
Where an appeal lies
To the Civil Appellate High Court of the Province (s. 5A, Act No. 19 of 1990).
A workman takes a dismissal, or a claim that gratuity or other benefits are due, to a Labour Tribunal rather than to a court. The application is made under section 31B of the Industrial Disputes Act.
Statutory basis
Industrial Disputes Act No. 43 of 1950, s. 31B(1)(a) and (b)
(a) the termination of his services by his employer; (b) the question whether any gratuity or other benefits are due to him.
The qualification: The Tribunal is not the only route and is not always the right one. Gratuity under the Payment of Gratuity Act, and a claim founded on the contract itself, can sit elsewhere. Which to use is a decision about your own facts.
Commercial High Court, Colombo — commercial claims above Rs 50 million
An action arising out of a commercial transaction where the debt, damage or demand exceeds Rs 50 million goes to the Commercial High Court. It is not a separate court: it is the High Court established under Article 154P for the Western Province, vested with civil jurisdiction by Order under section 2 of the High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act No. 10 of 1996 and sitting in Colombo. The Western Province is the only province currently exercising the jurisdiction, so a party anywhere in the country files here.
Statutory basis
High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act No. 10 of 1996, s. 2(1)
Every High Court established by Article 154P of the Constitution for a Province shall, with effect from such date as the Minister may, by Order published in the Gazette appoint … have exclusive jurisdiction and shall have cognizance of and full power to hear and determine … all actions, applications and proceedings specified in the First Schedule to this Act.
Notification in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2312/26 of 28 December 2022
Raised the threshold to Rs 50 million with effect from 1 February 2023. Cases filed before 31 January 2023 are unaffected. The figure had been Rs 20 million from 15 March 2019, and Rs 5 million before that.
Act No. 10 of 1996, s. 2(2)(a)
Be exercised by that High Court sitting in Colombo and in any other place within the Western Province.
Where an appeal lies
Directly to the Supreme Court under section 5 of the 1996 Act. There is no intermediate appellate step, which is the practical attraction of the forum.
The qualification: The threshold is fixed by Ministerial Order rather than by the Act, and has moved three times since the court was created. Confirm the figure in force at the date of filing, and note that it does not operate retrospectively on actions already filed.
Commercial High Court, Colombo — Companies Act and intellectual property
Applications and proceedings under the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007, and proceedings under the Intellectual Property Act No. 36 of 2003, go to the Commercial High Court whatever the amount at stake. The monetary threshold applies to actions arising out of commercial transactions; it does not gate these two heads.
Statutory basis
High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act No. 10 of 1996, s. 2(1) and its Schedules
Exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine the actions, applications and proceedings specified in the Schedules to the Act, which include the relevant proceedings under the Companies Act and the Intellectual Property Act.
Where an appeal lies
Directly to the Supreme Court under section 5 of the 1996 Act.
The qualification: Actions under the Debt Recovery (Special Provisions) Act No. 2 of 1990 are excluded from this jurisdiction.
Magistrate's Court — first production after arrest
Every arrest reaches the Magistrate first. A peace officer who arrests without a warrant must, without unnecessary delay and subject to the provisions as to bail, take or send the person arrested before a Magistrate having jurisdiction, and may not detain him beyond twenty-four hours exclusive of the journey. The Magistrate's Court tries summary offences itself and, for an indictable offence, conducts the non-summary inquiry before the case goes to the High Court on indictment by the Attorney-General.
Statutory basis
Code of Criminal Procedure Act No. 15 of 1979, s. 36
A peace officer making an arrest without warrant shall, without unnecessary delay and subject to the provisions as to bail, take or send the person arrested before a Magistrate having jurisdiction.
Code of Criminal Procedure Act, s. 37
Shall not detain in custody or otherwise confine a person arrested without a warrant for a longer period than under all the circumstances of the case is reasonable, and such period shall not exceed twenty-four hours exclusive of the time necessary for the journey from the place of arrest to the Magistrate.
Judicature Act No. 2 of 1978, s. 30
All powers and authorities … by virtue of the provisions of the Penal Code or of the law relating to criminal procedure … 'law relating to criminal procedure' shall mean the Code of Criminal Procedure Act.
Where an appeal lies
To the High Court of the Province, within fourteen days of conviction under section 320 of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act. The Judicature (Amendment) Act No. 34 of 2022 moved this appeal from the Court of Appeal to the provincial High Court.
The qualification: Twenty-four hours is a ceiling, not an entitlement. Section 37 separately forbids detention for longer than is reasonable in the circumstances, so where a shorter period is the reasonable one, detention beyond it is unlawful although the clock has not run out.
Serious offences are tried in the High Court on indictment. The High Court of the Republic hears, tries and determines all prosecutions on indictment instituted in it, and the High Court established for a Province under Article 154P exercises that original criminal jurisdiction for offences committed within the Province. Where at least one charge is for an offence in the Second Schedule to the Judicature Act and the accused elects, the trial is by jury.
Statutory basis
Judicature Act No. 2 of 1978, s. 9(1)
Hear, try and determine … all prosecutions on indictment instituted therein.
Constitution, Article 154P(3)(a)
Every such High Court shall exercise … the original criminal jurisdiction of the High Court of Sri Lanka in respect of offences committed within the Province.
Judicature Act, s. 11(2)
Trial in the High Court shall be by Jury before a Judge of the High Court where at least one of the charges is for an offence referred to in the Second Schedule hereto and the accused elects to be tried by a Jury.
Judicature Act, s. 12(2)
Where a Trial at Bar is directed, the Chief Justice shall nominate a Bench of three Judges of the High Court naming one of them as the Chairman.
Where an appeal lies
To the Court of Appeal. Section 9(b) of the High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act No. 19 of 1990 provides that a final order, judgment or sentence of a High Court in the exercise of its Article 154P(3)(a) or (4) jurisdiction may be appealed to the Court of Appeal.
The qualification: Only the Attorney-General indicts in the High Court. A Magistrate discharging a suspect at the non-summary inquiry does not end the matter: the Attorney-General may still indict.
Special bench of the High Court
Permanent High Court at Bar — financial and economic offences
Financial and economic offences in the Sixth Schedule to the Judicature Act — theft, misappropriation and criminal breach of trust, cheating and fraudulent dealings, stolen property, forgery — may be tried by three High Court judges sitting together, nominated by the Chief Justice. The court was created by the Judicature (Amendment) Act No. 9 of 2018 as section 12A. It sits only where the Chief Justice so directs, and the case is then heard from day to day unless exceptional circumstances are recorded.
Statutory basis
Judicature Act No. 2 of 1978, s. 12A(1)(a) (inserted by Act No. 9 of 2018)
Prosecutions on indictment against any person, in respect of financial and economic offences specified in the Sixth Schedule to this Act … with three Judges sitting together nominated by the Chief Justice from among the Judges of the High Court of the Republic of Sri Lanka.
Judicature Act, s. 12A(4)(b)
Where the Chief Justice is of the opinion that any one or more of the criteria specified in paragraph (a) has been satisfied … he may by order under his hand direct that the criminal proceedings in respect of such offence be instituted in the Permanent High Court at Bar.
Judicature Act, s. 12A(5)(c)
Unless in the opinion of the Court, exceptional circumstances exist which shall be recorded, be heard from day to day, to ensure the expeditious disposal.
Judicature Act, Sixth Schedule
Penal Code ss. 366, 386–392B, 394–407 and 452–459.
Where an appeal lies
To the Supreme Court, within twenty-eight days of the judgment, before a Bench of not less than five Judges nominated by the Chief Justice (s. 12B(1)).
The qualification: This is not a forum a party can elect. The Attorney-General, or the Director-General for the Prevention of Bribery and Corruption, refers the information under section 12A(4)(a), and the direction is the Chief Justice's.
Court of first instance
Primary Court — prescribed offences and local authority matters
The Primary Court has exclusive original criminal jurisdiction over offences prescribed by Ministerial regulation, and a small original civil jurisdiction — claims not exceeding Rs 1,500 — together with the enforcement of local authority by-laws and the recovery of local authority revenue.
Statutory basis
Judicature Act No. 2 of 1978, s. 33(1) (Chapter VII, inserted by Act No. 34 of 2022)
Exclusive original criminal jurisdiction in respect of such offences as may, by regulation, be prescribed by the Minister.
Judicature Act, s. 32(1)
Original civil jurisdiction where the debt, damage, demand or claim does not exceed one thousand five hundred rupees and shall also have jurisdiction in respect of the enforcement of by-laws of local authorities and matters relating to the recovery of revenue of such local authorities.
Judicature Act, s. 32(2) and Fourth Schedule
The Primary Courts shall have no jurisdiction in respect of the disputes referred to in the Fourth Schedule hereto, irrespective of the value of such claim.
Where an appeal lies
To the High Court of the Province (Constitution, Article 154P(3)(b)).
The qualification: The Fourth Schedule runs to thirty-six classes of action excluded whatever the value, including partition, mortgage, and any action for specific performance or rescission of a contract or damages for its breach. The Rs 1,500 civil jurisdiction is narrower than it looks.
Superior court
Supreme Court — fundamental rights — Article 126, within one month
A person whose fundamental rights have been infringed, or are about to be infringed, by executive or administrative action applies directly to the Supreme Court under Article 126. The application must be made within one month of the infringement. The petitioner must first obtain leave to proceed by showing a prima facie case; if leave is refused the matter ends there.
Statutory basis
Constitution, Article 126
The Supreme Court has sole and exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine any question relating to the infringement or imminent infringement by executive or administrative action of any fundamental right, on application made within one month.
Constitution, Articles 10 to 14
The fundamental rights themselves: freedom of thought and conscience, freedom from torture, equality before the law, freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention, and the freedoms of speech, assembly, association, occupation and movement.
The qualification: The one-month limit is short and is strictly applied. It runs from the infringement, not from the day the petitioner learned of it or found an attorney. This is the single most common reason a good fundamental rights application is never heard.
Court of Appeal — writ jurisdiction — certiorari, mandamus and the other writs
A decision of a public authority is challenged by an application for a writ. The Court of Appeal issues writs of certiorari, prohibition, procedendo, mandamus and quo warranto under Article 140 against any person or body exercising public power.
Statutory basis
Constitution, Article 140
The Court of Appeal shall have full power and authority to grant and issue orders in the nature of writs of certiorari, prohibition, procedendo, mandamus and quo warranto.
Constitution, Article 154P(4)(b)
A High Court established for a Province may issue orders in the nature of writs of certiorari, prohibition, procedendo, mandamus and quo warranto in respect of any matter set out in the Provincial Council List.
Where an appeal lies
To the Supreme Court, with leave.
The qualification: Where the subject matter falls within the Provincial Council List, the provincial High Court has the writ jurisdiction, not the Court of Appeal. Filing in the wrong one costs the application.
Superior court
Court of Appeal — habeas corpus — unlawful detention
Where a person is detained and the legality of the detention is in question, the remedy is an order in the nature of a writ of habeas corpus, issued by the Court of Appeal under Article 141. A High Court established for a Province may also issue orders in the nature of habeas corpus under Article 154P(4).
Statutory basis
Constitution, Article 141
The Court of Appeal may grant and issue orders in the nature of writs of habeas corpus to bring up before such Court the body of any person to be dealt with according to law.
Constitution, Article 154P(4)(a)
Orders in the nature of habeas corpus, in respect of persons illegally detained within the Province.
Constitution, Article 13(2)
Every person held in custody, detained or otherwise deprived of personal liberty shall be brought before the judge of the nearest competent court.
The qualification: Where the detention is also an infringement of a fundamental right, a separate application to the Supreme Court under Article 126 may run alongside, and that one carries a one-month limit.
High Court of the Province — from the Magistrate's and Primary Courts
An appeal from a conviction, sentence or order of a Magistrate's Court or a Primary Court goes to the High Court established under Article 154P for the Province. Notice of appeal against a conviction must be given within fourteen days. The Judicature (Amendment) Act No. 34 of 2022 moved this appeal down from the Court of Appeal.
Statutory basis
Constitution, Article 154P(3)(b)
Notwithstanding anything in Article 138 and subject to any law, exercise appellate and revisionary jurisdiction in respect of convictions, sentences and orders entered or imposed by Magistrates Courts and Primary Courts within the Province.
Code of Criminal Procedure Act No. 15 of 1979, s. 320
Appeal from the Magistrate's Court within fourteen days of conviction.
Judicature (Amendment) Act No. 34 of 2022, s. 31
By the substitution for the words 'appeal therefrom to the Court of Appeal', of the words 'the High Court for the Province'.
The qualification: Fourteen days is short and runs from conviction. Material written before the 2022 Act will send you to the Court of Appeal; that is no longer right for these appeals.
Appeal
Civil Appellate High Court of the Province — from the District, Family and Small Claims Courts
Appeals from the District Court, the Family Court and the Small Claims Court go to the High Court of the Province exercising civil appellate jurisdiction. It sits with not less than two judges. A further appeal to the Supreme Court is not as of right: leave must first be obtained, and is granted where the matter involves a substantial question of law or is fit for review.
Statutory basis
High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act No. 19 of 1990, s. 5A(1) (inserted by Act No. 54 of 2006)
A High Court established by Article 154P of the Constitution for a Province, shall have and exercise appellate and revisionary jurisdiction in respect of judgments, decrees and orders delivered and made by any District Court, Family Court or Small Claims Court within such Province.
Act No. 19 of 1990, s. 5B
Shall be ordinarily exercised at all times by not less than two Judges of that Court, sitting together as such High Court.
Act No. 19 of 1990, s. 5C(1)
An appeal shall lie directly to the Supreme Court … with leave of the Supreme Court first had and obtained. The leave requested for shall be granted by the Supreme Court, where in its opinion the matter involves a substantial question of law or is a matter fit for review by such Court.
The qualification: Notice of appeal is due within fourteen days and the petition of appeal within sixty days. Both are strict.
Appeal
Supreme Court, directly — from the Commercial High Court
There is no intermediate appellate step from the Commercial High Court. A party dissatisfied with a judgment given in the exercise of the section 2 jurisdiction appeals straight to the Supreme Court for any error of fact or of law.
Statutory basis
High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act No. 10 of 1996, s. 5
Any person dissatisfied with any judgment pronounced by a High Court established by Article 154P of the Constitution, in the exercise of its jurisdiction under section 2 … may prefer an appeal to the Supreme Court against such judgment for any error in fact or in law.
The qualification: Section 5 distinguishes a judgment from an order. The route against an interlocutory order is not identical to the route against a judgment; check which you have before filing.
Appeal
Court of Appeal — from the High Court in its criminal jurisdiction
A final order, judgment or sentence of a High Court exercising the original criminal jurisdiction conferred by Article 154P(3)(a), or the jurisdiction under Article 154P(4), is appealed to the Court of Appeal. From there a further appeal lies to the Supreme Court with leave.
Statutory basis
High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act No. 19 of 1990, s. 9(b)
A final order, judgment or sentence of a High Court … in the exercise of its jurisdiction conferred on it by paragraph (3)(a), or (4) of Article 154P of the Constitution may appeal therefrom to the Court of Appeal.
Act No. 19 of 1990, s. 11(1)
Reinforces the same appellate route.
The qualification: A conviction by the Permanent High Court at Bar takes a different route: to the Supreme Court within twenty-eight days, before not less than five judges (Judicature Act s. 12B(1)).
It depends on what the dispute is about and what it is worth. Money and movable property claims up to Rs 2 million, excluding interest, go to the Small Claims Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction over them. Commercial claims above Rs 50 million go to the Commercial High Court in Colombo. Land, partition, family matters, estates and everything else not assigned elsewhere go to the District Court, which has unlimited original civil jurisdiction under section 19 of the Judicature Act. Criminal matters start in the Magistrate's Court, and serious offences are tried in the High Court on indictment.
What is the monetary limit of the Commercial High Court in Sri Lanka?+
Rs 50 million. The threshold was raised from Rs 20 million by Notification in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2312/26 of 28 December 2022, with effect from 1 February 2023. Cases filed before 31 January 2023 are not affected. The figure is fixed by Ministerial Order under the High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act No. 10 of 1996 rather than by the Act itself, so it can change again by Gazette.
What is the limit of the Small Claims Court in Sri Lanka?+
Rs 2 million, excluding interest — not the Rs 1,500,000 the Act was passed with, which most published guidance still gives. Section 29A(2) of the Judicature Act lets the Minister fix a different amount, and section 29A(3) makes the Order ineffective until Parliament approves it and the approval is notified. That was done: Order in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2328/16 of 21 April 2023, approved on 3 October 2023, notified in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2354/21 of 19 October 2023.
Which court hears divorce and custody cases in Sri Lanka?+
The District Court, sitting as the Family Court. Section 5(1) of the Judicature Act deems the District Court of each judicial district to be the Family Court when exercising family jurisdiction, and section 24(1) gives that court sole original jurisdiction over divorce, nullity, separation, matrimonial property, custody of minor children, adoption and legitimacy. Custody applications take precedence over all other matters and are heard from day to day.
Where does an appeal from the District Court go in Sri Lanka?+
To the Civil Appellate High Court of the Province, under section 5A of the High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act No. 19 of 1990, which sits with not less than two judges. A further appeal to the Supreme Court is not as of right: leave must first be obtained under section 5C(1), and is granted where the matter involves a substantial question of law or is fit for review.
Which court hears an appeal from the Magistrate's Court?+
The High Court of the Province. The Judicature (Amendment) Act No. 34 of 2022 moved these appeals from the Court of Appeal to the provincial High Court, so material written before 2022 will send you to the wrong court. Notice of appeal against a conviction must be given within fourteen days under section 320 of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act No. 15 of 1979.
How many courts of first instance does Sri Lanka have?+
Seven, listed in section 2 of the Judicature Act as replaced by the Judicature (Amendment) Act No. 34 of 2022: the High Court of the Republic, the High Courts for the Provinces established by Article 154P, the District Courts, the Family Courts, the Small Claims Courts, the Magistrates' Courts and the Primary Courts.
In accordance with Supreme Court Rules 1988, this tool is provided for informational purposes only. It states the jurisdiction the statutes confer; it is not legal advice, it is not advice on any particular matter, and no lawyer–client relationship arises from its use. AW Chambers maintains this repository as a public utility to support legal literacy.
