History Section

Tangalle, historically referred to as “Tangalla” in official records and reported judgments, was an administrative settlement on the southern coast. During the Dutch period, Roman-Dutch law was introduced into the maritime provinces of Sri Lanka. After the British occupation in 1796, Roman-Dutch law continued to govern private rights, while English legal principles and statutory enactments were gradually introduced. This combination became an important feature of Sri Lanka’s legal system.

The judicial history of Tangalle can be traced with certainty to at least 1809. The National Archives of Sri Lanka preserves records identified as the “Records of the District Court, Tangalla” covering the period from 1809 to 1869. These records establish that a District Court was functioning in Tangalle during the early years of British administration. The court therefore existed long before the enactment of the Courts Ordinance of 1889.

The judicial system of Ceylon was reorganised through several Royal Charters, including the Charter of Justice of 1833. Under these reforms, District Courts became courts of first instance exercising jurisdiction within defined territorial districts. Tangalle formed part of this judicial structure and served communities in the southern region.

The Courts Ordinance No. 1 of 1889 was a significant colonial enactment. It amended and consolidated the law relating to the courts, their powers and jurisdiction. The Ordinance divided the country into judicial circuits and districts. Tangalla was recognised as a judicial district within the Southern Circuit, together with Balapitiya, Galle and Matara. By the late nineteenth century, the District Court of Tangalle was an established court exercising civil jurisdiction within the territorial limits prescribed by law.

Following independence, the structure and jurisdiction of the courts were reformed. The modern system of courts of first instance is governed by the Judicature Act No. 2 of 1978, as amended. Under the Act, District Courts exercise original jurisdiction in civil, revenue, trust, insolvency and testamentary matters, except where jurisdiction has been assigned to another court or authority. District Courts also exercise jurisdiction relating to guardians, trustees, wards and the estates of persons unable to manage their own affairs.

The Magistrate’s Court of Tangalle exercises criminal jurisdiction conferred by law, including jurisdiction over offences triable summarily and other matters arising under criminal procedure. It was in the year 2010 the Provincial High Court Established. The High Court exercises Original criminal jurisdiction and other powers vested by the 13th amendment of the Constitution and legislation. The establishment of Provincial High Courts and Civil Appellate High Courts further strengthened Tangalle’s position as a judicial centre. The Civil Appellate High Court sitting in Tangalle hears civil appeals from District Courts within its assigned territorial area.

As the population and volume of litigation increased, the need arose for a modern complex capable of accommodating the different courts operating in Tangalle. The new Tangalle Court Complex was opened on 6 November 2010. It was designed to accommodate judicial and justice-related institutions, including the High Court, District Court, Magistrate’s Court, Legal Aid Office and Labour Tribunal. The complex provided improved facilities for judges, lawyers, court officials, litigants and the public.

After the courts were relocated, parts of the former Tangalle court premises were refurbished and adapted for other public purposes. The preservation and reuse of these older buildings remain significant because they form part of Tangalle’s architectural and institutional heritage.

Today, the Tangalle courts continue to perform an essential role in the administration of justice in the Southern Province. The District Court determines civil, land, matrimonial, testamentary and other disputes. The Magistrate’s Court deals with criminal and statutory matters, while the High Court and Civil Appellate High Court exercise their respective original and appellate jurisdictions.

The history of the Tangalle courts therefore extends for more than two hundred years. From the early District Court recorded in 1809 to the modern Court complex opened in 2010, the institution has developed alongside Sri Lanka’s legal system. It remains an important symbol of the continuing administration of justice in the southern region, serving communities throughout the surrounding southern region.