Officer in charge, Police Station, Rathnapura vs Hewa Geeganage Jayasundara – CA PHC 230/2002-2002

The case between Hewa Geeganage Jayasundara and Weerasekarage Lalitha Indrawathie addressed the issue of procedural compliance in prosecuting an appeal. The court held that failure by the appellant to appear or ensure representation, despite explicit instructions, justified dismissal for want of diligent prosecution. This decision reaffirmed the principle that sustained inaction or disregard of court process by a party is sufficient to warrant summary dismissal, relying on Supreme Court Rule 33. The ruling emphasizes that strict adherence to procedural requirements is vital to the administration of justice and that appeals may be dismissed where such requirements are neglected.

A.W.A. Salam J. — It was determined that the appellant was both absent and unrepresented on the appointed date