Ven. Wellawe Sri Chandananda Thero vs Mr. S. Sarath W. de Silva – SC RULE NO 05/2022-2024

In the case between Ven. Wellawe Sri Chandananda Thero (Complainant) and Mr. Sendahendi Sarath Wijesiri De Silva, Attorney-at-Law (Respondent), the court examined allegations of professional misconduct by the Respondent, including failure to appear in court, misappropriation of client funds, and misrepresentation regarding legal proceedings. The inquiry established that significant sums were paid by the Complainant but that the required legal services were not rendered, evidenced by improper record-keeping and deceptive assurances by the Respondent. The holding determined that the Respondent’s actions constituted gross professional misconduct, a breach of ethical obligations under the applicable legal standards for Attorneys-at-Law, and a breach of client trust. It was held that the Respon