History Section

HIGH COURT HAMBANTOTA

Before the establishment of the Hambantota Southern Provincial High Court, the High Court's proceedings were conducted through the Matara High Court. The court commenced its proceedings on 9th January 1995 in a building on the beautiful coastal land where the State Administration Office, which included the Hambantota Old Kachcheriya or the Government Agent/District Secretariat, was established.

Hon. High Court Judge Chandradasa Nanayakkara was the First High Court Judge in the High Court of Hambantota who presided over the proceedings. The present High Court was established on 24th May 1999, after moving out of the old administrative building premises, and since then, 27 Hon. High Court Judges have served in the Hambantota High Court.

Hambantota High Court

Hambantota High Court

Southern Province

Historical Background

Prior to 1995

  • Judicial proceedings for the Hambantota region were conducted under the jurisdiction of the Matara High Court.

1995 – Initial Commencement

  • On 9th January 1995, high court proceedings officially commenced at the historic coastal site of the Hambantota Old Kachcheriya (District Secretariat).
  • Hon. High Court Judge Chandradasa Nanayakkara presided as the first High Court Judge of the Hambantota High Court.

1999 – Establishment of Permanent Building

  • On 24th May 1999, the High Court moved out of the old administrative premises into its current dedicated high court facility.

Jurisdiction & Scope

The Hambantota High Court hears indictable offences and key legal applications in the Southern Province, including:

  • Murder and offences against body
  • Rape and Sexual Offences
  • Child Abuse cases
  • Poisons, Opium & Dangerous Drugs (DD)
  • Prevention of Money Laundering (ML)
  • Bail, Revision, Writ, and Agrarian Tribunal Appeals

Notable Facts

  • Since its inauguration in 1995, 27 Hon. High Court Judges have served at the Hambantota High Court.
  • The initial court hall overlooked the southern coastline within the historic Old Kachcheriya administrative complex.

Key Milestones

  • Pre-1995: Cases handled via Matara High Court.
  • 9th Jan 1995: First court session at Old Kachcheriya premises under Hon. Chandradasa Nanayakkara.
  • 24th May 1999: Transition to the permanent High Court building.
  • Present: Functions as a key judicial seat serving the Hambantota Judicial Zone in the Southern Province.