Law relating to awarding damages for breach of contract in Sri lanka

In Sri Lanka, the awarding of damages for breach of contract is governed by the principles of contract law, which are largely based on English common law, as Sri Lanka’s legal system has been significantly influenced by its colonial history. However, specific statutes may also apply to certain types of contracts or industries.

The general principle is that damages for breach of contract are intended to compensate the injured party for the loss suffered as a result of the breach. The aim is to put the injured party in the position they would have been in had the contract been performed as agreed.

The context provided does not include a specific act or amendment related to the awarding of damages for breach of contract. However, the principles can be inferred from the general legal framework and the documents provided:

  1. Recovery of Damages for the Death of a Person Act, No. 2 of 2019: This act, while not directly related to breach of contract, indicates the legislative approach to damages in Sri Lanka. It suggests that damages may be awarded where a statutory right is created, and the Sinhala text prevails in case of inconsistency.
  2. Sri Lanka Electricity Act, No. 20 of 2009: This act provides for compensation in cases where a wayleave (a right of way for the construction and maintenance of power lines) affects land. It allows for the recovery of reasonable compensation for damage caused to land or movables, and disturbance in the enjoyment of land or movables due to the exercise of rights under the act. This indicates a statutory approach to damages in specific contexts.
  3. Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023: While this act is focused on anti-corruption, it establishes jurisdiction and civil liability for contraventions of certain sections, which may include financial penalties or damages.

For a detailed understanding of the law relating to awarding damages for breach of contract in Sri Lanka, one would typically refer to the Contract Law of Sri Lanka, case law, and any specific statutes that govern the particular type of contract in question. Since the context provided does not include a specific source on contract law damages, for precise information, it would be advisable to consult the relevant legislative texts or a licensed attorney who specializes in contract law in Sri Lanka.

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