Sunil Basnayaka vs Hatton National Bank PLC – CA CASE NO: LA 01/2013-2013

In the case between Sunil Basnayaka (Plaintiff-Petitioner) and Hatton National Bank PLC with H. D. Priyanthi Fernando (Defendants-Respondents), the court addressed the issue of whether a petition could be proceeded with in the absence of the petitioner and legal representation. It was held that the petition must be dismissed when the petitioner is neither present nor represented at the scheduled hearing, reaffirming the principle that procedural defaults, such as non-appearance, warrant dismissal. This decision drew upon established procedural rules governing court hearings, emphasizing that the onus is on the petitioner to ensure proper representation or presence for matters to be heard.

Sisira J. De Abrew J. — It was established that the matter was listed before the Court pursuant to a