Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025
1. Introduction The Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to revise the Value Added Tax Act, No. 14 of 2002, by introducing new provisions for taxation, modifying tax structures, and eliminating existing schemes. This report provides an analysis of the key changes and their implications. 2. Key Amendments 2.1 Taxation on Non-Resident Electronic Service Providers…
Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, 2025
1. Introduction The Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to modify key provisions of the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017. The amendments primarily focus on tax refund timelines, tax rate adjustments, and exemptions applicable to personal and corporate income taxation. This report evaluates the implications of these changes on taxpayers, businesses, and government revenue.…
United States SEC v. Surage Kamal Roshan Perera and Janues Capital Incorporated
1. Introduction This report analyzes the legal case initiated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against Surage Kamal Roshan Perera and his firm, Janues Capital Incorporated. The case, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, alleges fraudulent investment practices by the defendants, resulting in significant investor losses.…
Affidavits: Legal Principles, Case Law, and Key Judgments
Introduction An affidavit is a written statement sworn to be true by the deponent, used as evidence in legal proceedings. Affidavits play a crucial role in both civil and criminal cases, serving as evidence in court, administrative proceedings, and business transactions. This article explores the legal principles surrounding affidavits, significant case law, and key judicial…
Administrators and Executors in Sri Lanka: Legal Framework and Case Law
Introduction In Sri Lanka, the roles of administrators and executors are crucial in managing and distributing the estate of a deceased person. Their legal standing, responsibilities, and duties are guided by statutory laws and judicial precedents. This article delves into the administration of estates under Sri Lankan law, highlighting key legal principles and relevant case law.…
Conviction under the Prevention of Money Laundering
Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, No. 5 of 2006 (as amended) in Sri Lanka, the prosecution must establish the following elements to secure a conviction for money laundering: The accused must have:• Converted or transferred property knowing or having reason to believe that such property is derived from an unlawful activity.• Concealed or…
Legal Analysis of the shareholder oppression and corporate mismanagement case against Harry Jayawardene in 2011
1. Introduction The Milford case is a legal dispute adjudicated in the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, involving the shareholders and directors of Milford Exports (Ceylon) Ltd. The case primarily concerns allegations of corporate mismanagement, shareholder oppression, and procedural issues under the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007. This report comprehensively analyzes the case, its legal…
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…