History Section

The High Court of Batticaloa was established in 1978. Following the enactment of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in 1987, Provincial High Courts were established throughout Sri Lanka. Consequently, the High Court of the Eastern Province, holden at Batticaloa, was vested with jurisdiction over the districts of Trincomalee, Ampara and Kalmunai. These Provincial High Courts were granted extensive jurisdiction, encompassing original criminal jurisdiction, Appellate jurisdiction, and writ jurisdiction. The legal landscape was further shaped by additional legislation such as the High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act No.19 of 1990, which expanded their appellate jurisdiction.

Following the establishment of the High Courts of Ampara (1996), Trincomalee (2003), and Kalmunai (2010), the jurisdiction of the High Court of Batticaloa was divided into four separate High Court jurisdictions. At present, all four High Courts function separately.

Since its establishment in 1978, 21 High Court Judges have served at the High Court of Batticaloa. Hon. T.J. Prabakaran is currently serving as the 21st Judge of the High Court of Batticaloa.