W.P. Ashoka William Wickrama/Ashoka Wijewickrama vs Sinhala Pedige Niluka Udayangani Senadeera – 148/2008-2013

The case between W.P. Ashoka William Wickrama/Ashoka Wijewickrama and Sinhala Pedige Niluka Udayangani Senadeera addressed the issue of an appeal challenging a High Court order concerning a child maintenance application. It was determined that the Magistrate is required to prioritize and expeditiously inquire into the maintenance application, with special regard to the age of the child, now over eight years. The prior order of the lower court was set aside, and directives were issued for prompt disposal of the application. This holding reaffirms the principle that maintenance proceedings regarding minor children should be accorded urgency, as mandated by statutory and judicial standards, ensuring the welfare of the child remains paramount.

A.W.A. Salam J. — The findings established that,