Jagath Priyantha Epa and Deepika Lakmali Kalansooriya vs Ahingsa Sathsarani Epa and Others – SC APPEAL 12/2018-2019

In the case between Jagath Priyantha Epa and Deepika Lakmali Kalansooriya (natural parents) and Janaka Pushpakumara Kalansooriya and Wijesinghe Arachchige Wasana Malkanthi (challengers to custody), the court addressed the determination of custody of the minor child, Ahingsha Sathsarani Epa, focusing on the paramount consideration of the child’s welfare. The matter arose following conflicting decisions in lower courts, with the District Court initially awarding custody to the 2nd and 3rd Respondent-Appellants and the Civil Appellate High Court subsequently setting aside that order in favor of the natural parents. Upon review, the Supreme Court analyzed expert evidence and relevant precedents, concluding that the welfare of the child necessitated the restoration of custody to the natural par