Negombo Magistrate’s Court Lawyers’ Welfare Association vs. Mr. R. A. S. Sampath Karunathilaka – SC RULE NO 15/2023-2024

In the case between the Negombo Magistrate’s Court Lawyers’ Welfare Association (represented by Ms. Nilmini Madonza, Mr. Nelson Kumaranayake, and others) and Mr. R.A.S. Sampath Karunathilaka, Attorney-at-Law, the court addressed issues of professional misconduct, specifically allegations of touting and malpractice in contravention of Rule 39 of the Supreme Court Rules and Section 42(2) of the Judicature Act. The findings established that the Respondent had engaged in repeated acts of unethical solicitation of clients through intermediaries over several months in 2018. The disciplinary inquiry, corroborated by multiple complaints and affidavits, led to an admission of guilt by the Respondent, with mitigation pleaded regarding his personal circumstances. After consideration, it was determine