Category: Legal News
Attorney General v. Ravi Karunanayake – Sri Lankan Treasury Bond scandal (2015–2016)
Case Analysis and Significance: This Supreme Court case, SC Appeal 104/2024, arising from the infamous 2015–2016 Sri Lankan Treasury Bond scandal, is significant in terms of how bribery and financial misconduct cases are investigated, prosecuted, and subjected to judicial review. The core issue was whether the Attorney General’s decision to indict former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake—based…
Former Minister and Sathosa Chairman sentenced amid Strict Constitutional Safeguards under the Article 13(6) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka
Colombo, June 1, 2025 — In a landmark judgment delivered by the Colombo High Court this week, former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage and former Sathosa Chairman Nalin Fernando were sentenced to 20 and 25 years of rigorous imprisonment, respectively despite Strict Constitutional Safeguards under the Article 13(6) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka explicitly prohibiting retroactive criminal…
RTI Commission Orders Full Disclosure from Bank of Ceylon Over Alleged Misuse of Public Funds
In a landmark ruling, the Right to Information (RTI) Commission of Sri Lanka has directed the Bank of Ceylon (BOC) to release a comprehensive set of documents relating to financial transactions, loans, tender procedures, and contracts involving the Informatics Group and the former Chairman of the bank, Mr. Gamini Wickramasinghe, spanning the years 2007 to…
New Proceeds of Crime Bill may raise constitutional concerns regarding the right to property
The Government of Sri Lanka’s decision to table the Proceeds of Crimes Bill reflects a strategic move to strengthen the country’s legal and institutional framework against financial crimes, corruption, and money laundering. This legislative initiative aligns with global anti-money laundering standards and seeks to enhance asset recovery mechanisms by empowering authorities to trace, seize, and forfeit illicitly acquired property. However, while the Bill is…
Acts and Ordinances (Consolidated) 2024
Acts and Ordinances of Sri Lanka revised and consolidated with all amendments up to 2024 ensures legal clarity, accessibility, and efficiency for lawmakers, legal professionals, businesses, and the public. It eliminates ambiguity caused by scattered amendments, reducing the risk of misinterpretation and outdated references. Find below the Key Acts and Ordinances revised and consolidated…
Compensation payable under Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act
The Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act, No. 13 of 2005, is a comprehensive legal framework aimed at addressing disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation. While the Act establishes key institutions and mechanisms, challenges such as compensation transparency, funding limitations, and enforcement issues need to be addressed. Strengthening implementation and ensuring fair compensation and resource allocation will enhance Sri Lanka’s disaster resilience and recovery capacity.…
LankaLaw Sri Lanka’s Leading Legal Research Platforms
Lanka Law is an online legal resource providing comprehensive access to Sri Lankan legal materials. The platform offers AI-powered legal assistance, digital law libraries, and tools for legal research, making it a valuable resource for professionals, researchers, and individuals. (lankalaw.net). Key Features of Lanka Law: Additional Resources: Lanka Law serves as a modern, AI-driven legal…
Case Analysis: TikTok Inc., et al. v. Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General
The Supreme Court of the United States ruling in TikTok Inc., et al. v. Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General (Nos. 24–656 and 24–657) represents a landmark decision addressing the intersection of national security and First Amendment rights. This case examined the constitutionality of the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” (the Act) as it applied…
List of Cases Filed under the Online Safety Act of Sri Lanka
The Online Safety Act of Sri Lanka, officially named “The Online Safety Act No. 51 of 2023”, was enacted on November 29, 2023. The law aims to protect individuals from harmful online content, including misinformation, cyberbullying, and defamation. It empowers authorities to take legal action against those who spread false information or engage in harmful online activities.…
Dispute over Telecasting rights of Sinhala films, “Nohadan Amme” and “Thakkita Tharikita”
Case Title: Tissa Nagodawithana Films (Pvt) Ltd. v. Hemapriya Kandamby & Independent Television Network Ltd. Case Number: CHC/25/2014/IP Court: High Court of the Western Province, Colombo (Civil/Commercial Jurisdiction) Judgment Date: October 8, 2024 Introduction This case concerns a dispute over the telecasting rights for two Sinhala films, “Nohadan Amme” (referred to as “Samawenna Ma Raththarane” in…
Balancing Legal Enforcement and Justice: Analysis of the NATA Act Revision Case
1. Case Background Court of Appeal Case: CA/PHC/APN/0086/2023 Petitioner: D.S. Gunasekara (Pvt) LtdRespondents: Court: Court of Appeal of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri LankaNature of Application: Revision under Article 138 of the Constitution Core Issue: The petitioner sought to challenge the decisions of the Magistrate’s Court of Anuradhapura and the Provincial High Court, which refused…
Cancellation of the registration of Craig Estate Tea Factory
1. Case Background Petitioner: Maskeliya Plantations PLCRespondents: Sri Lanka Tea Board, Jayampathy Molligoda (Chairman), Anura Siriwardena (Director General), E.A.J.K. Edirisinghe (Tea Commissioner) Court of Appeal Case: CA (Writ) Application No. 337/2020 Court: Court of Appeal of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri LankaNature of Application: Writs of Certiorari and Prohibition under Article 140 of the Constitution…
Mismanagement of collapsed finance companies under the Ceylinco Group
Case: S.C. (FR) Nos. 263/2009 and 262/2009 Parties Involved: Case Background: The case arose out of the collapse of several finance companies under the Ceylinco Group, resulting in substantial financial losses for depositors. The Petitioners alleged fraudulent practices by company directors and managers, including mismanagement of funds, misleading depositors, and failing to uphold fiduciary duties.…
Labour dispute between Namunukula Plantations PLC and Commissioner General of Labour
Case Overview This Court of Appeal Case CA/WRT/0599/2021 involves Namunukula Plantations PLC (Petitioner) seeking relief through Writs of Certiorari and Prohibition under Article 140 of Sri Lanka’s Constitution. The primary contention arose from a labor dispute over salary increments for plantation employees, with the petitioner challenging the statutory obligations enforced by the Commissioner General of Labour (1st Respondent). Key Issues Court’s…
Tax dispute between Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC and the Director-General of Excise
Background This case pertains to a tax dispute between Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC and the Director-General of Excise, involving unpaid excise duties on beer for multiple financial quarters between 1998 and 2002. The central questions addressed the proper calculation of excise duties, whether complimentary beer should be taxed, and procedural issues under the Excise (Special…
