Weerasekera Arachige Dona Sddhawathie vs Hemantha Sittuge – SC RULE 03/2014-2018

In the case between Weerasekera Arachige Dona Saddhawathie (plaintiff) and Hemantha Sittuge, Attorney-at-Law (respondent), the court addressed the issue of professional misconduct, dereliction of duty, and deceptive conduct by an attorney. It was held that the respondent, despite receiving fees from the plaintiff to initiate litigation against Perera and Sons concerning environmental damage and pollution, failed to file legal action in a timely manner, provided misleading explanations, and repeatedly neglected professional obligations. The findings established that the respondent was guilty of deceit and malpractice, resulting in a five-year suspension from legal practice. The principle reaffirmed is that attorneys must diligently carry out their clients’ instructions and are accountable f