History of the District Court Pelmadulla

The History of the District Court Pelmadulla

Early Beginnings: Under the jurisdiction of the Balangoda Magistrate’s Court, the Pelmadulla and Rakwana circuit Magistrate’s courts functioned as circuit courts. The judicial proceedings at these courts were conducted by the Magistrates of Balangoda.

Establishment: According to official records, the Pelmadulla Magistrate’s Court was formally opened on 24th January 2003. The records further indicate that, with effect from 1st of March 2003, a permanent Magistrate was appointed to hear and determine cases at the court.

Pelmadulla Court Room

Jurisdiction and Scope

  • Rakwana Circuit: Following the establishment of the Pelmadulla Magistrate’s Court, the Circuit Sittings of the Rakwana Magistrate’s Court have been conducted by the Pelmadulla Magistrate’s Court and continue to be held to the present day.
  • Case Types: The Court handles civil and criminal cases as well as cases instituted by various institutions and cases filed under Section 66. These judicial functions are carried out by a single Judge.

Court Schedule and Infrastructure

  • Sittings: The Magistrate conducts sittings at the Rakwana Circuit Court every Wednesday while carrying out judicial duties at the Pelmadulla Magistrate’s Court on the remaining working days of the week.
  • Pelmadulla Premises: The Pelmadulla Magistrate’s Court functions within limited premises comprising a single open court room, a record room, a production room, and an office building accommodating all administrative functions of the court.
  • Rakwana Premises: Within the premises of the Rakwana Circuit Magistrate’s Court, there is a two-story building. The open court is located on the upper floor, while the ground floor houses the case registry and the court administrative office.

Administration and Staff

  • Staffing: The official functions and administrative duties of the Rakwana Circuit Magistrate’s Court are carried out by the staff of the Pelmadulla Court.
  • Wednesday Assignments: Furthermore, every Wednesday the court staff are assigned to the Rakwana Circuit Magistrate’s Court to perform its judicial and administrative functions.