History of the Puttalam Court

History of the Puttalam Court

Puttalam Court is located in Puttalam District, North Western Province, Approximately 132 Kilo Meters from Colombo facing Muththukumara Mawatha and 500 Meters away from Colombo – Puttalam main road.

Initially as per the records, Puttalam Court functioned as a Police Court in the year of 1868 and a District Court in early 19th century. Although the Court’s operations initially functioned in a building which was constructed during the period of British Ruling, after the present Court House building was declared open in 1983.10.18, the District Court and Magistrate Court have been continuing to operate in that building up to now.

Puttalam Court Complex

1. Provincial High Court Establishment

After the renovation of the old British - built building within the Puttalam Court complex, the Provincial High Court of North Western Province exercising its Criminal Jurisdiction was established under the Article 154P of constitution of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka as Criminal High Court, began to function in that particular building from 18th of August 2006.

2. Anamaduwa Court

Anamaduwa Court was a part of the Puttalam Courts and it operated and functioned as a Rural Court from 1956 -1979. It functioned as Primary Court and it was promoted as a Circuit Court of Puttalam Since 13.09.2016. Then, it started to function as a Permanent Magistrate Court later on.

3. Kalpitiya Circuit Court

The kalpitiya Court of Puttalam District which was declared open and functioned as the Rural Court long ago. Now, it is functioning as a Circuit Court of the Puttalam Court and it is functioning on every Monday of each month as a Magistrate Court. Initially, the Kalpitiya Circuit Court functioned at a local Temple building and later, a new court building was declared open in the year of 2016. During the annual feast at St.Anne’s Shirine in Thalawila, the Circuit Court functions at the Thalawila Shirine premises for the convenience and benefit of the gathered devotees.

4. Infrastructure & Restructuring

Based on restructuring measures taken in 2021 by the Ministry of Justice and a new building was constructed in the Puttalam Court premises and it was declared open on 2025.10.15 and now that is functioning as Magistrate Court currently.

5. Present Operations & Future Potential

  • Current Operations: Presently, within the Puttalam Courts complex; Criminal High Court, District Court (Functioning additionally as Small Claim Court and Pre-trial Conference Procedures) and Two Magistrate Courts are functioning along with Kalpitiya Circuit Court.
  • Potential Expansion: Since there are adequate building facility in the Puttalam Courts premises to operate another two additional Courts, there is a potential for establishing a Civil Appellate High Court and another Additional District Court.