History of the High Court of Civil Appeal

The High Court of Civil Appeal, Matara has a long historical and legal evolution. Its history dates back to the Dutch era and the current judicial structure is based on the constitutional amendments made in 2006. During the Dutch period, Matara Fort and Star Fort were used for administrative as well as judicial purposes, and appeals against the decisions of the Matara Land Court were referred to the Galle High Court, with the final appeal referred to the Supreme Court in Colombo.

During the British period, the Matara judicial system expanded further and the Police Magistrate's Court and the Court of Request were established in the Matara Dutch Fort. The old Court of Claims system in Sri Lanka was abolished in 1974, and the Matara High Court was officially established for the first time in the same year. Under the High Court of Provinces (Special Provisions) (Amendment) Act No. 54 of 2006, it evolved into an appellate forum to hear appeals from the District Court.