IN RE UPALI WIJESURIYA AN ATTORNEY-AT-LAW… – sllr 1981 volume 1 page 178

In the case between Mrs. C. W. Gunawardena (complainant) and Upali Wijesuriya, Attorney‐at‐law (respondent), the court addressed the issue of professional misconduct by a legal practitioner, specifically the misappropriation of client funds and property, and failure to act in the client’s interest. It was held that the respondent’s actions constituted a serious breach of professional duty, justifying a suspension from practice for five years. The principle reaffirmed is that attorneys-at-law are obligated to maintain the highest standards of honesty and fair dealing with clients. The decision relied upon a detailed evidentiary record and the ethical obligations enshrined in professional conduct rules, emphasizing that dereliction of these duties undermines confidence in the administration