Verdict- Implementation Delays

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 6, 2026

Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court ruled that three government agencies violated constitutional rights by failing to comply with court orders concerning compensation and property management, ordering the Attorney General to monitor enforcement and report within four months. Despite the directive, no formal progress has been reported, underscoring persistent delays and systemic issues in the country's judicial and administrative processes that hinder timely justice.

Delays in implementing court orders have drawn renewed attention following a Supreme Court ruling in Sri Lanka over a recent fundamental rights petition involving multiple state institutions. The judgment was issued on April 30, 2026, by justices A Nawaz, Kumudini Wickremasinghe, and A.L. Shiran Gooneratne after a legal dispute spanning approximately 15 years.

The case concerns the failure of three government bodies—the Condominium Management Authority (CMA), the Urban Development Authority (UDA), and the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC)—to comply with court directives related to a compensation payment and property management issues. The Supreme Court highlighted persistent violations of the petitioners’ constitutional rights under Article 12(1), citing executive inaction and negligent conduct by these authorities. The ruling described this behavior as "arbitrary and unreasonable," further emphasizing the impact on the equal protection of the law.

As part of the judgment, the court ordered the Attorney General to oversee the implementation of its directions and to submit a progress report within four months. More than five months after the court’s order, no formal response has been filed by the Attorney General’s Department. Additionally, the obligated agencies have failed to execute key aspects of the ruling, including the collection of Rs.10 million from the builder as compensation, which was to be held in an escrow account managed by the CMA, UDA, and the Seagull Court Management Corporation.

Instead of fully complying with the decision, the CMA proceeded to demolish a small security hut and toilet facilities on the property, citing parking obstruction as the reason. However, observers note that the larger supermarket occupying significant parking space remains intact and operational. Both the CMA and UDA were represented by the Attorney General’s Department during the litigation but were unsuccessful in defending their actions. It remains unclear whether the Attorney General will be able to persuade these agencies to adhere to the court’s directives promptly.

The prolonged delays contribute to a broader judicial concern in Sri Lanka, where approximately one million cases are pending. Efforts to address systemic delays include a proposed 22nd constitutional amendment aimed at increasing the number of judges and extending retirement ages. However, critics argue that tangible progress remains elusive.

In this case, the procedural backlogs extend over two decades, with initial hearings beginning at the CMA before escalation to the Supreme Court. The drawn-out process and failure to implement court orders highlight ongoing challenges within Sri Lanka’s judicial and administrative systems in delivering timely justice.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.