Hon. A. K. M. Patabendige vs Roshan Davinda Ranaweera – SC RULE 08/2023-2024

In the case between Hon. A. K. M. Patabendige (Complainant, Judge of the High Court No. 4, Colombo) and Roshan Davinda Ranaweera (Respondent, Attorney-at-Law), the court addressed whether repeated absenteeism and breaches of professional duties by an attorney justified disciplinary suspension. It was held that persistent failure to appear and chronic disregard for counsel’s obligations, even despite personal explanations and mitigating pleas, constituted grave professional misconduct warranting suspension from practice for five years. The court reaffirmed that strict adherence to duties by attorneys is foundational to the administration of justice and emphasized accountability under Supreme Court rules governing legal practitioners. The decision drew upon principles of professional respons