H.P Wilson Wijesinha and others Vs. S.W.M. Kumari Gunaawardana and others – CA PHC 158/2008-2008

In the case between H. P. Wilson Wijesinha and others (Appellants) and S. W. M. Kumari Gunawardana and Y. Sepala Dissanayaka (Respondents), the court addressed the procedural issue of the appellants’ failure to comply with the mandatory requirement of depositing brief fees as stipulated under Rule 13(b) of the Preparation of Appeal Brief (Court of Appeal/1978). The court held that absence of the appellants and their legal representation at the appeal hearing, combined with non-compliance after notice regarding the brief fees, warranted the dismissal of the appeal. The decision reaffirmed the principle that strict adherence to appellate procedural rules is imperative for the effective administration of justice. Reliance was placed on the prescribed court rules, emphasizing that failure to c