Colombo High Court Lawyers' Association

09/08/2026

Some more beautiful portraits from An Evening to Remember | Mid Year Term End Dinner Dance 2026!!!
A memorable evening where the legal fraternity came together beyond the courtroom to celebrate friendship, fellowship and togetherness.

The Colombo High Court Lawyers’ Association – Mid year Term End Dinner Dance 2026 was greatly honoured by the presence of Hon. Attorney General Mr. Parinda Ranasinghe, PC, together with fellow officers of the Attorney General’s Department; Hon. Manjula Tilakaratne and other Hon. Judges of the High Court presiding in Colombo; President’s Counsel; senior and junior members of the Bar;
With wonderful music by Sarith Surith with NEWS, it was truly a night of laughter, friendship and cherished memories.

Beyond the Bar, united in fellowship. Until we meet again!

09/08/2026

An Evening to Remember | Mid Year Term End Dinner Dance 2026!!!
A memorable evening where the legal fraternity came together beyond the courtroom to celebrate friendship, fellowship and togetherness.

The Colombo High Court Lawyers’ Association – Mid year Term End Dinner Dance 2026 was greatly honoured by the presence of Hon. Attorney General Mr. Parinda Ranasinghe, PC, together with fellow officers of the Attorney General’s Department; Hon. Manjula Tilakaratne and other Hon. Judges of the High Court presiding in Colombo; President’s Counsel; senior and junior members of the Bar;
With wonderful music by Sarith Surith with NEWS, it was truly a night of laughter, friendship and cherished memories.

Beyond the Bar, united in fellowship. Until we meet again!

07/08/2026

01/08/2026

Glimpses from “නඩුවක් සමග වරුවක්” — Panel Discussion

The Colombo High Court Lawyers’ Association successfully concluded its professional panel discussion, “නඩුවක් සමග වරුවක්,” on 31 July 2026 at the BASL Auditorium.

The programme brought together distinguished members of the judiciary and the legal profession for an insightful and timely dialogue on criminal law, evidence and contemporary legal practice.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our eminent panelists—Hon. Manjula Tilakaratne, Judge of the High Court; Mr. Anil Silva, President’s Counsel; Mr. Kalinga Indatissa, President’s Counsel; and Mr. Janaka Bandara, Deputy Solicitor General—for generously sharing their invaluable knowledge, experience and professional perspectives.

Our appreciation is also extended to the moderators, Newman and Namani, and to all Attorneys-at-Law, law students and participants whose presence and engagement contributed immensely to the success of the programme.
Our special thanks go to Mr. Razeek Zarook, PC, Mr. U.R. de Silva PC, Mr. Shavindra Fernando, PC , Mr. Rajeeve Amarasuriya, President BASL and Mr. Nalin De Silva, Secretary BASL for their valuable contribution for making the event a great Success.

These photographs capture some of the memorable moments from an evening dedicated to learning, professional development and the advancement of legal knowledge.

Organized by the Colombo High Court Lawyers’ Association.

#නඩුවක්සමගවරුවක්

17/07/2026

🏏 LORDS OF THE PITCH 🏆
Inaugural Eardley Perera, PC Memorial Trophy — Inter High Court Bar Six-a-Side Soft Ball Cricket Tournament

What a day it was! The Colombo High Court Lawyers' Association proudly hosted the inaugural "Lords of the Pitch" on 11th July 2026, honouring the memory of Eardley Perera, PC, with a day of great cricket, camaraderie, and Bar unity.

Congratulations to our inaugural champions, Samanthurai Bar! 👏

Heartfelt thanks to our sponsors Prima, Barista, and Elephant House and to every Bar Association that took to the field. Here's to many more editions of Lords of the Pitch!

15/07/2026

You would not find these esteemed panelists gathered in one location! We invite you to register now for three hours of discussion on absolute Criminal Law and its practical challenges, featuring eminent legal luminaries of the present day. Do not miss this valuable opportunity.

14/07/2026

The robes are off and the dancing shoes are on!
The CHCLA Term End Dinner Dance is finally here! Get ready for a night of great food, good vibes, and even better company. See you at Waters Edge on the 7th of August! Don't forget your BYOB! 🥳

10/07/2026

Game day!!!! Its gonna be fun!!!

30/06/2026

“Reaching the Virtual End Before the Technical End of the Criminal Trial: Application of Section 200(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act”

By Justice Mahinda Samayawardhena
LL.B, LL.M, M.Phil, DFM (Sri Lanka), LL.M (Monash)
Judge of the Supreme Court

This article examines the correct application of Section 200(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, No. 15 of 1979, commonly known as the “no case to answer” provision.

At this crucial stage of a criminal trial, the trial judge must determine whether the accused should be acquitted at the close of the prosecution case or whether the defence should be called. Although procedural in form, this decision carries significant substantive consequences and marks the point at which a criminal trial may reach its virtual end before its technical end.

The article is based on Justice Samayawardhena’s separate opinion in the Five-Judge Bench decision of the Supreme Court in AG v. Hemasiri Fernando
SC/TAB/2/2023 | SC Minutes of 05.11.2024

Read the full article below.

This article was published in the High Court Judges Association journal 2025