History Section

HIGH COURT MATARA

The old High Court was located in a beautiful area surrounded by the historic Dutch Fort of Matara. Rich in heritage, the High Court was situated upstairs, offering a commanding presence within the fort's robust architecture. The floor of the court was made entirely of wood, giving it a profound sense of antiquity. For decades, these wooden halls served as a cornerstone of justice in the Southern Province, echoing with the footsteps of countless legal professionals and citizens seeking a fair trial.

The Matara High Court is one of the premier High Courts of Sri Lanka, serving the Matara Judicial Zone in the Southern Province. Following decades of historic service within the Dutch Fort, the court transitioned into a modern era to meet increasing infrastructural demands, continuing its heritage of integrity and judicial excellence.

The Old High Court - Dutch Fort, Matara

The Old High Court

Dutch Fort, Matara

The historic wooden-floored courtroom located upstairs, surrounded by the iconic architecture of the Dutch Fort.

Historical Background

Before 1973

  • Serious criminal cases from the Matara area were generally tried under the older judicial system, with the Supreme Court exercising original criminal jurisdiction in designated trial sessions.

1973 – 1974: Establishment of the High Court System

  • The modern High Court system was introduced under the Administration of Justice Law No. 44 of 1973.
  • High Courts became the principal courts of first instance for serious criminal offences throughout Sri Lanka.
  • On 1st January 1974, the first High Court Justices assumed duties nationwide; Hon. J.R.M. Perera proudly took the seat as the first Justice for the Matara High Court.

1978 Constitution & Judicature Act

  • The 1978 Constitution and the Judicature Act No. 2 of 1978 formally codified the High Court as a superior court of first instance.
  • The Act organized High Courts into distinct judicial zones, served by High Court Judges appointed by the President.

2022 – 2023: Modern Relocation to Kotawila

  • To meet the growing demands of the modern legal system and provide advanced judicial infrastructure, the Matara High Court was shifted to Kotawila on 27th December 2022.
  • Official court proceedings at the new Kotawila High Court complex commenced on 3rd January 2023, turning a new page while safeguarding its historic legacy.

Jurisdiction

The Matara High Court exercises original criminal and appellate jurisdiction over serious indictable offences, including:

  • Homicide and Murder trials
  • Rape and serious sexual offences
  • Armed robbery and organized offenses
  • Major financial crimes and fraud
  • Narcotics and drug trafficking offenses
  • Other indictable criminal trials presented by the Attorney General

It also exercises appellate and revisionary functions over subordinate magistrates' courts as prescribed by statutory law.

Notable Facts

  • Colonial Architecture: For generations, the Matara High Court was housed inside the iconic Dutch Fort ramparts, featuring a signature polished timber floor and an upper-story courtroom.
  • First High Court Judge: Hon. J.R.M. Perera assumed duties on 1st January 1974, becoming the very first judge to preside over the newly established Matara High Court zone.
  • New Judicial Complex: After decades inside the Dutch Fort, operations officially moved to the newly built judicial premises in Kotawila in early January 2023.

Timeline

  • Before 1973: Serious regional criminal matters were handled under the pre-republic judicial system and Supreme Court circuits.
  • 1st January 1974: High Court system established under Law No. 44 of 1973; Hon. J.R.M. Perera assumes duties as Matara's first High Court Judge.
  • 1978: The Judicature Act No. 2 and the 1978 Constitution formalize the Matara Judicial Zone structure.
  • 27th December 2022: High Court transitions out of the historic Dutch Fort and relocates to the Kotawila Judicial Complex.
  • 3rd January 2023 – Present: Official proceedings commence at the Kotawila complex, serving as the modern seat of justice for the Matara Judicial Zone.