The Supreme Court today ordered that a fundamental rights petition filed seeking to postpone the upcoming GCE Advanced Level Examination be dismissed without being taken up for hearing.

The petition had been submitted by five students scheduled to sit for the examination for the first and second time.

The 2026 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination is set to be held from August 10 to September 5, 2026. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court has ordered a former employee of ATG Ceylon (Pvt.) Ltd. to pay Rs. 5 million in damages after finding that he unlawfully disclosed the company’s confidential manufacturing information and trade secrets to a South Korean glove manufacturer. 

In a judgment delivered on July 27, 2026, the Supreme Court overturned a 2019 Commercial High Court ruling that had dismissed the company’s case and instead entered judgment in favour of ATG Ceylon.  

The case was filed by ATG Ceylon, a Board of Investment company engaged in manufacturing industrial gloves, against a former process control technician who had worked for the company for more than 10 years. 

The company alleged that the employee transferred confidential manufacturing processes, proprietary technology and trade secrets relating to its “Maxi” range of gloves to a Korean competitor in exchange for financial gain. 

The Supreme Court held that the company had established, on a balance of probabilities, that the former employee entered into arrangements with the Korean company to transfer ATG’s confidential technological knowledge and manufacturing know-how. 

The Court also granted a permanent injunction preventing the former employee from disclosing or using ATG’s confidential information, trade secrets, proprietary technology and manufacturing processes, and declared that he remains under a continuing legal obligation to preserve the confidentiality of that information. 

While ATG had sought Rs. 200 million in damages, the Supreme Court awarded Rs. 5 million, noting that although the company’s actual losses were difficult to quantify, its prompt legal action had mitigated the potential damage caused by the attempted disclosure.

Court ruling : sc_chc_appeal_49_2019 (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court has ruled that the fundamental rights of social media activist Anuruddha Bandara were violated during his arrest and detention in the 2022 Aragalaya protest period.

The Court found that Deshbandu Tennakoon, then Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Western Province, and Nalin Priyantha, then Officer‑in‑Charge of the Colombo North Special Investigation Unit, were responsible for the violation.

The ruling was delivered after examining a fundamental rights petition submitted by Bandara, who challenged the legality of his arrest and detention during the protest movement. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court has dismissed, without hearing, a fundamental rights petition that sought to annul a circular allowing women and men to change their gender.

The petition named former Presidents Maithripala Sirisena and Ranil Wickremesinghe, as well as current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, among its respondents.

It was filed by Shantha Jayatilaka, a retired disabled officer of the Sri Lanka Air Force. 

The petition was not taken up for examination and was instead struck off, effectively ending the challenge to the circular. (Newswire)

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The Attorney General today (20) informed the Supreme Court that steps have been taken to file cases before the District Court to recover taxes allegedly evaded by liquor manufacturing companies.

The announcement came during the hearing of a fundamental rights petition filed seeking an order to recover unpaid taxes from the companies.

Appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, the Additional Solicitor General notified the Supreme Court that legal proceedings are being initiated to ensure recovery of the outstanding sums. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court has fixed September 11 to confirm facts in a fundamental rights petition filed by the father of a student who died in a bus accident involving Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) students in Badulla in 2024.

It is reported that the petition seeks compensation, alleging that the accident violated the fundamental rights of his son and two other students who lost their lives. 

The case was taken up before a three‑judge bench comprising Arjuna Obeyesekere, Dr. Sobitha Rajakaruna, and Menaka Wijesundara.

The respondents named include the Vice Chancellor of KDU, members of the Senate, and the driver of the bus, who has been directed to file objections if any.

According to the petitioner, his son was pursuing a Quantity Surveying degree and had joined a field trip to Badulla in November 2024. At Ambagaha Junction, the bus met with a fatal accident, killing three students and injuring several others.

Investigations revealed that the bus, manufactured in 1992 and registered in Sri Lanka in 2020, had a poorly maintained braking system. Technical defects prevented the driver from controlling the vehicle, leading to the tragedy. At the time, 41 passengers, including KDU students, were on board.

The petitioner argues that the accident was caused by the negligence of the respondents and requests the Court to declare a violation of fundamental rights and order suitable compensation. (Newswire)

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The Attorney General informed the Supreme Court today (10) that the current Cabinet of Ministers has decided to review the legality of agreements entered into during the previous government period for assigning the issuance of electronic visas to private companies.

The announcement was made by Additional Solicitor General Viveka Siriwardena, appearing for the Attorney General, during the hearing of fundamental rights petitions filed by former MPs M.A. Sumanthiran and Patali Champika Ranawaka, along with current MP Rauff Hakeem. 

The petitions challenge the earlier Cabinet decision to hand over the eVisa process to private firms.

The case was taken up before a three‑judge bench comprising Chief Justice Prireethi Padman Surasena, Justice Achala Wengappuli, and Justice Arjuna Obeyesekere.

The Additional Solicitor General told the court that a sub‑committee has been appointed by the present Cabinet to examine the legality of the agreements, and requested time to update the court on the progress.

Presenting facts in court, Petitioner M.A. Sumanthiran, noted that although the current government has decided to cancel the transaction, the petitioners intend to continue with the case. 

He also pointed out that members of the present Cabinet have been named as respondents.

The bench ordered that notices be issued to the Cabinet members and directed that the petition be called again on September 29. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court today concluded hearings on a fundamental rights petition against former Minister A.H.M. Fowzie, accused of violating human rights by using for personal purposes a vehicle provided by the Government of the Netherlands for Sri Lanka’s disaster management activities.

The Court announced that its judgment would be delivered at a later date.

The petition was heard before a three‑judge bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, Justice Janak de Silva, and Justice Arjuna Obeyesekere.

The case was filed by Chandra Jayaratne, former Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, who sought a ruling that the former minister’s actions amounted to a breach of fundamental rights. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court has granted permission to proceed with an appeal challenging the eligibility of Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala to hold a parliamentary seat.

According to reports, the order was issued after considering a petition filed by former General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Renuka Perera.

The petition argues that Wijepala, though elected as a Member of Parliament, continues to function as Chief of Staff to the President, a role that disqualifies him from serving as an MP under constitutional provisions.

The case will now proceed to a full hearing, with the Supreme Court set to determine whether Wijepala can legally retain his parliamentary position while holding the executive office. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court on Tuesday (02) lifted the interim ban imposed on Vavuniya Municipal Council and its Mayor S. Kandeepan, allowing the council to resume functioning. However, the restriction against Deputy Mayor Parameswaran Karthipan will remain in force.

The Court of Appeal had earlier issued an interim order halting the activities of the council and restraining both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor from acting in their positions, following a writ petition filed by the National People’s Power (NPP) challenging Karthipan’s election.

Hearing the appeal against that order, the Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Janak de Silva, Sobitha Rajakaruna, and Menaka Wijesundara annulled the restrictions on the council and the Mayor, stressing that a body elected by the people cannot be kept paralyzed for long periods.

The Court directed that while the Deputy Mayor remains barred from functioning, if he voluntarily resigns, the Municipal Council Secretary must accept the resignation and cannot refuse on grounds of the case being pending.

President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran appeared for the Vavuniya Municipal Council and Mayor Kandeepan. President’s Counsel Nizam Kariapper represented Deputy Mayor Karthipan, while President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris appeared for the petitioners. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court has directed that Prof. W. M. Thilakaratne, a former senior academic of the University of Peradeniya who was found guilty of multiple charges of sexual harassment by a university disciplinary inquiry, be barred from holding any future position in universities or academic institutions in Sri Lanka. 

The ruling was delivered on 08 May 2026 by a three-judge bench comprising Justices Janak De Silva, Achala Wengappuli, and K. Priyantha Fernando in SC/FR Application No. 81/2021. 

The Fundamental Rights petition had been filed by Dr. W.A.M. Udari L. Abeyasinghe, a Dental Surgeon and Senior Lecturer attached to the Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dental Science, University of Peradeniya. 

According to the judgment, the incidents occurred while Dr. Abeyasinghe was serving as an Assistant Lecturer under the supervision of Prof. Thilakaratne, who was also her M.Phil co-supervisor. 

The Court noted that the petitioner’s mother lodged a complaint with the Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya on 02 July 2018, alleging sexual harassment and emotional abuse between July 2017 and April 2018. 

Following a preliminary investigation, the university appointed a Formal Inquiry Committee, which conducted hearings between July and September 2019. The Committee found Prof. Thilakaratne guilty of several charges, including cyber stalking, frequent hugging, touching despite objections, causing severe emotional distress, violating the university’s sexual harassment policy, and bringing the university into disrepute.  

However, the University Council later rejected the disciplinary findings, citing delays in the complaint being made, and decided not to take action against the professor. 

The petitioner subsequently complained to the University Grants Commission and later to the Human Rights Commission before filing the Fundamental Rights application before the Supreme Court in March 2021. 

The Court upheld a preliminary objection that the petition had been filed outside the constitutional time limit. 

Despite this, Justice Janak De Silva held that the Court retained powers under its “just and equitable jurisdiction” to issue directions in the public interest, particularly considering the seriousness of the findings against the professor. 

The judgment noted that Prof. Thilakaratne had never challenged or sought to invalidate the findings of the Formal Inquiry Committee. 

The Supreme Court subsequently ordered that Prof. Thilakaratne be prohibited from accepting any paid, unpaid, or honorary post in any university, educational institute, or academic institution. The Court also directed the UGC to instruct all universities and institutions under its purview not to offer him any appointment. 

In addition, the University of Peradeniya was directed to strengthen awareness and enforcement of its policies on sexual and gender-based harassment, including conducting mandatory annual seminars for academics, staff, and students. 

The judgment also highlighted Sri Lanka’s obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), stressing that sexual harassment creates hostile working environments and undermines equality in employment. (Newswire)

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The Attorney General has informed the Supreme Court that the present government will not implement the previous administration’s decision to sell eight state enterprises, including Sri Lanka Telecom, SriLankan Airlines, the Insurance Corporation, and Lanka Hospitals.

The announcement was made during the hearing of a fundamental rights petition filed by Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara and others, challenging the proposed sale. 

The petition was taken up before a three‑judge bench comprising Justices Achala Wengappuli, Mahinda Samayawardhena, and Sampath Abeykoon.

The respondents named in the petition include the Cabinet of Ministers of the former government and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Representing the Attorney General, the state counsel stated that the current government has decided not to proceed with the sale of the institutions, and that a committee has been appointed solely to oversee restructuring efforts.

Appearing for the petitioners, Attorney Kanishka Witharana noted that, since the government has confirmed it will not proceed with the sale, there is no further need to continue with the petition.

After considering submissions from both sides, the Supreme Court bench concluded the hearing of the petition. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka on Monday (16) ordered that a lawyer practicing in Kekirawa be removed from the roll of attorneys after finding her guilty of violating professional ethics.

The court also convicted the lawyer of contempt of court for violating a previous order issued in relation to the same matter. She was sentenced to one year in prison, which was suspended for five years.

In addition, the court imposed a fine of Rs. 25,000, with a further six-month jail term to be imposed if the fine is not paid.

The order was delivered by Supreme Court Justice Yasantha Kodagoda with the concurrence of Justices Arjuna Obeyesekere and Priyantha Fernando.

The charges were filed by the Attorney General’s Department after the lawyer was accused of removing and damaging two pages of a case file during proceedings at the Kekirawa Magistrate’s Court on July 27, 2023.

The Supreme Court had earlier issued an interim order preventing the lawyer from practicing law until the inquiry into the allegations was concluded.

However, a complaint was later filed alleging that the lawyer had continued to engage in legal practice despite the court order, prompting the Attorney General to file additional charges of contempt of court.

Although the respondent initially pleaded not guilty, she later admitted to the charges during the proceedings.

In its ruling, the three-judge bench said the conduct amounted to a serious violation of the professional ethics expected of attorneys and ordered the Registrar of the Supreme Court to remove her name from the roll of attorneys.

The court also directed that the decision be communicated to the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and the Kekirawa District Judge.

The court further ordered the respondent to appear before the Police Criminal Records Division to provide fingerprints. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court has ruled to dismiss without hearing two fundamental rights petitions filed claiming that the emergency regulations imposed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake after the Cyclone Ditwah disaster violate basic human rights.

This decision was delivered by a three‑judge bench of the Supreme Court presided over by Chief Justice Priyantha Surasena. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has ordered notices to be issued to several former and current state officials in connection with a Fundamental Rights petition challenging government programs and circulars that permit individuals to change their gender identity through medical procedures. 

Notices have been issued to former Presidents Maithripala Sirisena and Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Attorney General on behalf of incumbent President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and several other parties in connection with a petition. 

The petition, filed by retired Air Force veteran Shanta Jayatilaka, challenges government programs and circulars that allow individuals to change their gender identity through medical procedures, claiming they are unlawful. 

The case was heard before a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, Justices Shiran Gunaratne, and Achala Wengappuli, and will be taken up again on July 20, with respondents ordered to file objections within a week. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka on Thursday (12) concluded hearings on a series of Fundamental Rights petitions challenging the appointment of former Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon.

‎The court decided to end proceedings after considering an affidavit submitted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in connection with the case. The decision was made with the consent of the petitioners, according to court proceedings.

‎The petitions were taken up before a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justices Achala Wengappuli and Mahinda Samayawardhena.

‎The petitions had sought to challenge the legality of Tennakoon’s appointment as police chief. (Newswire)

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The decisions and judgments delivered within the Supreme Court complex serve as a mirror that clearly reflects the justice, democracy, and the rule of law in Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the ceremony to handover the refurbished Supreme Court complex for judicial proceedings, following its modernization with assistance from the Government of China.

The renovation project was carried out in accordance with an agreement between the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, the Ministry of Justice of Sri Lanka, and the China International Development Cooperation Agency.

While preserving the original appearance and structural integrity of the Supreme Court building, the complex has been upgraded with modern technology. The renovations include seven new Supreme Court courtrooms equipped with single-judge, three-judge, five-judge, and seven-judge benches; 20 new official chambers for judges; staff facilities; elevators; a modern library; a case records room; an auditorium; and a control room with an automated camera system covering all areas of the complex.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that the complex, originally constructed in 1988 with the support of the Government of China, has now been modernized in line with contemporary needs after more than three decades.

The investment in judicial infrastructure is, in essence, an investment in public trust. A secure and efficient environment strengthens the independence and dignity of the judiciary, she said.

The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the continuous support extended to Sri Lanka by the Government of China, including President Xi Jinping and expressed that these modern facilities would serve as a strong foundation in fulfilling the public’s expectation that justice will be delivered equally to all.

The event was attended by Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara, Chief Justice Padman Surasena, Ambassador of China to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong, Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, as well as several judges of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court has directed the issuance of notices to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and several others named as respondents in a fundamental rights petition related to the May 09 unrest in 2022. 

The case seeks recovery of compensation allegedly obtained unlawfully by former ministers for damages caused when their houses were set on fire during the violent incidents that erupted across the country following an attack on the ‘Aragalaya’ people’s struggle.

Accordingly, notices are to be sent to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former Defence Secretary retired Major General Kamal Gunaratne, former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne, former Navy Commander Nishantha Ulugetenne, former Public Security Ministers Prasanna Ranatunga and Tiran Alles, and former Public Security Ministry Secretary Jagath Alwis, as ordered by the Court.

The petition was filed by environmental lawyer Dr. Ravindranath Dabare. (Newswire)

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Former minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage and former Lanka Sathosa Chairman Nalin Fernando, who have been sentenced to imprisonment over corruption charges, have filed appeals against the sentences, which the Supreme Court today (20) fixed for hearing on March 9.

The appeal petitions were taken up before a bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justice Achala Wengappuli.

After considering the submissions presented, the bench ordered that the appeals be called for hearing on March 9.

The two former ministers were found guilty of causing a loss of over Rs. 50 million to the government during the 2015 presidential election period by importing 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 draughts sets through Sathosa. 

Mahindananda Aluthgamage was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, while Nalin Fernando was sentenced to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment.

They have now filed these appeals against the imposed sentences. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for January 28 on a fundamental rights petition seeking an order to recover compensation from former ministers who allegedly received unlawful payments for damages to their homes during the islandwide unrest on 09 May 2022. 

The petition was filed by social activist and lawyer, Dr. Ravindranath Dabare, challenging the legality of the compensation granted in connection with the island-wide violence.

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former Defence Secretary Retired Major General Kamal Gunaratne, former Chief of Defence Staff Shavendra Silva, former IGP Chandana Wickramaratne, former Ministers of Public Security Tiran Alles and Prasanna Ranatunga, current Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya, current Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijayapala, and the Attorney General are among a total of 15 individuals named as respondents in the case.

The petitioner claims that following the May 9 attack, the previous government paid Rs. 1.22 billion in compensation to 43 individuals, including former ministers whose homes and property were damaged, pointing out that this was revealed in Parliament on February 5 by Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.

The petitioner argues that this constitutes a serious misuse of public funds, noting that even in cases of natural disasters, the maximum compensation per person is Rs. 2.5 million.

As such, the petitioner requested the Supreme Court to declare that these payments violated legal procedures and fundamental human rights, issue an order to recover the unlawfully paid compensation, and ensure that any future compensation is based on proper valuation and legal standards. (Newswire)

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