R.M. Karunaratne Banda vs Wasantha Wijewardena – SC RULE NO. 08/2014-2020

In the case between Randilisi Mudiyanselage Karunaratne Banda (Plaintiff) and Wasantha Wijewardena, Attorney-at-Law (Defendant), the court addressed whether the Respondent Attorney-at-Law breached professional duties by failing to appear in court and by neglecting to file or support necessary motions to re-list a dismissed Fundamental Rights Application. The court held that the Respondent was guilty of deceit and malpractice under section 42(2) of the Judicature Act, finding breaches of the Supreme Court’s Conduct of and Etiquette for Attorneys-at-Law Rules 1988. This decision relied on consideration of relevant authorities, including Daniel vs Chandradewa and Piyadasa vs Kurukulasuriya, and reaffirmed the principle that attorneys are obligated to act diligently and honestly in representin