Revised system to expedite hearings in Colombo High courts

Fifteen High Courts in Colombo are set to begin functioning under a revised system introduced by Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena. The new arrangement is designed to expedite judicial proceedings and improve efficiency in handling the growing number of cases.

According to the Chief Justice’s instructions to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), each court will focus on specific subjects. One High Court, presided over by Judge Mohmed Mihail, will exclusively hear bribery and corruption cases. Nine High Courts will deal with criminal cases, while three courts have been designated to handle commercial cases and civil matters.

Colombo Chief High Court Judge Manjuala Thilakaratne has been tasked with overseeing administrative work, in addition to hearing appeals, revision applications, writs, and admiralty cases. Applications for bail, special requests, and the freezing of properties and assets will be taken up by High Court Judge Lal Bandara.

The revised structure also assigns particular cases to specific judges. Child abuse cases will be heard by High Court Judge Rashmi Singappuli, while financial fraud, misappropriation, and forgery will be handled by Judge Lanka Jayaratna. Cases related to narcotics will be heard by Judge Rasantha Godawela, while Judge Nadee Aparna Suwandurugoda has been assigned cases of financial and documentary fraud.

Murder trials, grave crimes, and heroin-related offences will be taken up by Judges Udesh Ranatunga and Buddhika Chandrasiri Ragala. Commercial High Court cases will fall under Judges Viraj Ranatunga and Chamath Madanayaka, while civil appellate cases will be handled by Judges Pramila Ratnayaka, Chandima Dela, and Prashantha Liyanage.

The move follows the recent transfer of 32 High Court judges across the system. At the same time, Chief Justice Surasena has instructed the JSC to prepare performance-based reports on judges, noting that such reports will be considered for future promotions. Seniority alone will no longer be the deciding factor in career advancement within the judiciary.