Case Analysis

Can foreign divorces be recognized in Sri Lanka

Can foreign divorces be recognized in Sri Lanka? Supreme Court Explains in SC Appeal 11/2018 

Recognition of foreign divorce decrees within Sri Lankan law and the legal principles governing cross-border matrimonial disputes. Title:Ganegoda Haputhanthrige Sujith Asanka vs. Samarasinghe Gamachchige Senani Piumika Samarasinghe and othersCase Number: SC Appeal 11/2018Decided on: 13 March 2026Before:  Justice Janak De Silva, Justice Kumudini Wickremasinghe, Justice Menaka Wijesundera, J. Background The parties were married in Colombo […]

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Nakolagane case

Nakolagane Case explained: Sri Lanka Supreme Court strengthens environmental rights protection 

The Supreme Court’s decision in Centre for Environmental Justice v. Director General of Wildlife Conservation and Others marks an important development in Sri Lankan environmental jurisprudence. Delivered by Justice Janak De Silva on 6 May 2026, the judgment addressed large-scale forest destruction allegedly taking place within lands attached to the Nakolagane Purana Rajamaha Viharaya in

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Vithya Murder Case

Vithya murder case – Supreme Court Judgement – Download PDF

The brutal murder of Sivaloganathan Vithiya shocked Sri Lanka and sparked nationwide outrage. Explore the legal background, key facts, court proceedings, and the landmark judgment surrounding the Vidya murder case. Title: Poobalasingham Jayakumar alias Ravi and others vs. Hon. Attorney General Known as: Vithya murder case Case Number: SC TAB No. 03A-03B-03C/2017Decided on: 06th May,

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Who owns the copyrights for music under Sri Lanka law

Who owns a song? Who owns the copyrights for music under Sri Lanka law? Supreme Court clarifies copyright and performer rights.

In Sri Lanka, disputes between musicians and artists over song ownership are more common than you think- raising the big question: who really owns the copyrights for music? In this case, the Supreme Court steps in with a clear and decisive answer. Title: Torana Music Distributors Pvt. Ltd. vs Lucian BulathsinhalaCase Number: SC CHC APPEAL

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RTI-Case-Law

Right to information case law – Asia Broadcasting Corporation v. M.J.K. Dissanayake

Asia Broadcasting Corporation v. M.J.K. Dissanayake: A Landmark Right to Information case law on Media Accountability in Sri Lanka The decision in Asia Broadcasting Corporation (Pvt) Ltd v. M.J.K. Dissanayake and Others (Court of Appeal, 2026) marks an important development in Sri Lanka’s Right to Information (RTI) jurisprudence. The case addresses a critical question: Can

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Sathasivam Murder Case Explained

Sathasivam Murder Case Explained: The Queen v. M. Sathasivam – A Landmark Sri Lankan Criminal Law Case

The Queen v. M. Sathasivam [1953] 55 NLR 255 Introduction The Sathasivam Murder Case, formally reported as The Queen v. M. Sathasivam [1953] 55 NLR 255, stands as one of the most significant and controversial criminal cases in Sri Lankan legal history. The Queen v. M. Sathasivam remains one of the most discussed criminal cases

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Foundations of Rei Vindicatio and Prescription

Reaffirming the Foundations of Rei Vindicatio and Prescription

A Critical Analysis of Nawalage Manel Mahendra Dias & Another v. Premalatha & Others The Supreme Court’s judgment in Nawalage Manel Mahendra Dias & Another v. Premalatha & Others(SC Appeal No. 77/2019), delivered on 5 December 2025, stands out as a meticulously reasoned reaffirmation of several foundational principles of property law- particularly rei vindicatio, prescriptive title, and the

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Servitude and Prescription - Natural waterflow

Servitude and Prescription | Insights from the Sri Lankan Supreme Court Judgment – Peiris v. Perera

Servitude and Prescription – The Supreme Court decision in W. Arthur Deepal Peiris and Others v. Ranil Perera (SC Appeal 37/2014) has reinforced critical principles of property law, particularly concerning servitudes and prescription, natural water flow rights. The case, which arose from a dispute over rainwater drainage, delves into foundational legal doctrines, including ius fluminis, servitudes by prescription,

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Bigamy & Void Marriages in Sri Lanka

Bigamy & Void Marriages in Sri Lanka: When Second Marriage is Invalid

An Analysis of SC Appeal No. 211/2012: Bigamy & Void Marriages. The Integrity of Matrimonial Law. Case Title: Udagepolage Gunasiri Seneviratne vs Pattiya Widanage Carmen PremalathaCourt : Supreme Court of Sri Lanka | SC APPEAL 211/2012Before: Priyasath Dep P.C., J., Priyantha Jayawardena P.C., J & Anil Gooneratne J. Introduction The decision of the Supreme Court of Sri

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