W.G.K. Thilak Wijerathna vs Y.M. Dharmadasa – CA PHC NO. 94/2013-2014

In the case between Ilukwalayalage Gedera Kusum Thilak Wijerathne and Y.M. Dharmadasa (Officer, Forest Department, Pinnawala, Rambukkana) along with the Hon. Attorney General, the court addressed the procedural issue of whether an appeal should be entertained when the appellant failed to pay the required brief fees after notice. It was held that non-payment of brief fees by the appellant, despite appropriate notification, necessitated rejection of the appeal. The underlying legal principle reaffirmed is the mandatory nature of procedural requirements regarding payment of brief fees in appellate proceedings in the Court of Appeal. Reliance was placed on the applicable appellate procedural rules, emphasizing strict compliance with such requirements as a prerequisite for continuation of the a