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.…
Issuance of a Dealership Agreement by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC)
The Supreme Court’s ruling in SC/SPL/LA 266/2023 underscores the fundamental importance of judicial oversight, due process, and institutional accountability. The decision reaffirms that state institutions must exercise their discretion lawfully and transparently, ensuring that judicial orders are respected and implemented without bias. The Attorney General’s involvement in further legal proceedings will be crucial in upholding the integrity of public…
Judicial Review and Procurement Dispute: SC/FR/135/2023
1. Introduction The case SC/FR/135/2023 was filed by Sierra Construction Ltd. in the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, invoking its fundamental rights jurisdiction. The petitioner contested the decision made by the Road Development Authority (RDA) and associated respondents, who rejected its bid for the rehabilitation and improvement of the B367 Piliyandala-Maharagama Road. The petitioner claimed that…
Judicial Review of Procedural Compliance: Analysis of SC/APPEAL/1/2025
Case No: SC/APPEAL/1/2025Parties Involved: Background of the Case This appeal arises from the order of the District Court of Panadura, which rejected the plaintiff’s list of witnesses and documents for being filed out of time. The High Court of Civil Appeal of Kalutara affirmed this decision. The Supreme Court reviewed whether the rejection of the plaintiff’s…
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…
Wrongful termination of employment under TEWA
Case Details: Case Title: China Harbour Engineering Company (Lanka) Limited v. Commissioner General of Labour & OthersCase No.: C.A. (WRIT) 464/2021Court: Court of Appeal of Sri LankaJudges: Sobhitha Rajakaruna, J. & Dhammika Ganepola, J.Counsel: Malik Hannan for the Petitioner; Navodi de Zoysa, SC for 1st & 2nd RespondentsDecision Date: 19.01.2024 Background The Petitioner, China Harbour Engineering Company (Lanka) Limited, sought a…
Employer liability to pay additional gratuity
1. Case Details Madulsima Plantations PLC v. B.K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi and Others, a Writ Application (CA/Writ/345/2021) filed in the Court of Appeal of Sri Lanka. The case involves a dispute over gratuity payments under the Payment of Gratuity Act, No. 12 of 1983, and whether the petitioner, Madulsima Plantations PLC, was liable to pay additional…
Bill for Demutualization of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE)
The Demutualization of the Colombo Stock Exchange Act aims to convert the CSE from a company limited by guarantee into a company limited by shares. This transformation is designed to enhance governance, transparency, and operational efficiency. The following report provides an analysis of the Bill 405/2018 presented by the Prime Minister and Minister of National…
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…
Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill
Introduction The “Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill” was introduced in the Parliament of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on January 9, 2025. The primary purpose of this bill is to address procedural and administrative gaps arising from the postponement of local authority elections initially scheduled for March 9, 2023. It establishes provisions for…
Legal Analysis of S.C. (CHC) Appeal No. 22/2010: Pramuka Savings and Development Bank vs. Habib Bank AG Zurich
Introduction This report examines the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka’s decision in S.C. (CHC) Appeal No. 22/2010, a pivotal case involving a dispute over financial transactions between Pramuka Savings and Development Bank Limited (Plaintiff-Appellant), later substituted by Sri Lanka Savings Bank Limited, and Habib Bank AG Zurich (Defendant-Respondent). The core issue pertained to whether the Defendant Bank had a…
Judicial Finality and the Limits of Inherent Powers: Analysis of Suntel Limited v. Electroteks Network Services and Dialog Broadband Network
Case Details Suntel Limited v. Electroteks Network Services Private Limited and Dialog Broadband Network (Private) Limited. Case Number: SC/MISC/03/2019 Court: Supreme Court of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Judgment Date: 19 May 2023 Background of the Case This case arises from a commercial dispute involving Suntel Limited, later amalgamated with Dialog Broadband Network…
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.…
Proof of Shipment Under Letter of Credit Transactions: Expectations of Banks
A Letter of Credit (LC) is a financial instrument issued by a bank at the request of a buyer to guarantee timely payment to a seller upon the presentation of specified documents. This mechanism ensures compliance with agreed terms, offering a layer of security for international trade transactions. Despite its efficiency, Letters of Credit operate…
A Comparative Analysis of Time Limits for Employee Relief Applications
Time limitations regarding applications for relief following employment termination have become critical in industrial law. These limits are designed to ensure timely recourse while preventing administrative delays. This article examines the evolution of time limits in Sri Lanka, their implications for employees and employers, and proposes recommendations for reform to address existing challenges. Historical Context…