Abeysinshe v. Perera – sllr 1999 volume 1 page 078

In Abeysinghe (plaintiff/respondent-petitioner) v. Perera (defendant/petitioner-respondent), the court examined the application of Section 614(3) of the Civil Procedure Code concerning the award of litigation costs in divorce proceedings. It was determined that the trial judge possesses discretion to grant a reasonable sum for litigation expenses when examining the financial means and social circumstances of both parties, particularly if one spouse lacks independent income. The findings established that unchallenged documentary evidence of rental income was correctly considered, and that public policy supports enabling spouses without sufficient means to access the courts. Legal authorities such as Abeygoonesekera, Chamani, Van Oudenhove de St. Sery, and Van Rippen were relied upon, reinfo