History of the District Court Wariyapola

The History of the District Court Wariyapola

The Wariyapola District and Magistrate's Court is a combined court functioning under the judicial High Court Zone of Kurunegala in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka. It exercises the jurisdiction and powers conferred upon both the District Court and the Magistrate's Court, thereby administering both civil and criminal justice within its territorial jurisdiction.

Wariyapola Court Room

Origins and Early Establishment

The origin of the Wariyapola Court can be traced back to 1974, when it was established as a Primary Court. It functioned in that capacity until 1978 and was initially located near the Wariyapola Police Station in the town of Wariyapola.

Following the enactment of the Judicature Act No. 2 of 1978, the court was reconstituted as a Magistrate's Court. Subsequently, with effect from 6 July 1998, the court premises were relocated to Malwana, Wariyapola, where the institution presently operates.

Territorial Jurisdiction

The territorial jurisdiction of the Wariyapola District and Magistrate's Court extends over the Wariyapola and Katupotha Police Divisions and comprises one hundred and three Grama Niladhari Divisions falling within those police areas.

Civil Jurisdiction Milestone

A significant milestone in the development of the court was achieved in 2010, when it was vested with the civil jurisdiction of a District Court. Consequently, all civil actions arising within the Wariyapola judicial division, which had previously been instituted before the District Court of Kurunegala, thereafter came to be filed and adjudicated before the Wariyapola District and Magistrate's Court.

Judicial Service and Legacy

Since its establishment, the Wariyapola District and Magistrate's Court has been served by approximately twenty-six Magistrates and District Judges. Through their dedicated service, the court has continued to uphold the rule of law, safeguard the rights of litigants, and ensure the fair and efficient administration of justice within its jurisdiction.