Sri Lanka is an Island which cherishes a very long history. The judicial system in Sri Lanka and the Legal Profession in its current form are rich heirs to a system of judicial administration which commenced in 1801 consequent to the parsing of the Charter of Justice.

Since 1801, Hulftsdorp has been the center of the Judicial system and the legal profession in this country. Since the appointment of Sir Codrington Edmund Carrington as the 1st Chief Justice of Ceylon, it has been the home of 47 Chief Justices.

The buildings and the environment were protected by all Chief Justices and the members of the Bar.

Unfortunately, since of late the main building in Hulftsdorp has been left unattended by the authorities concerned. The attached photographs will demonstrate the state of the buildings and the environment.

On numerous occasions and repeated requests have been made for the restoration of this building. We regret to state that none of these requests were considered by the respective authorities who held office.

The building itself is a historical site. It is very depressing that the relevant officials have continuously turned a binding eye to the plight of these buildings.
The judicial system makes a significant contribution to the economy through the fines levied and through the collection of statutory dues. These monies are transferred to the consolidated account and is used for other purposes.
This building is about to collapse and if it does happen a significant landmark in our cherished history will be evaporated due to the inaction and default on the part of the officials concerned.

Over the years, we have come to realize that there is no institution which is prepared to bear responsibility towards the restoration of this iconic landmark. Lack of concerns, accountability and responsibility is a matter of concern to us at the Bar.
We wish to respectfully bring to your notice the appalling condition of the buildings and urge you;

a) Collectively make an effort to vest these buildings in a more responsible institution,

b) Involve the Ministry of Justice to take immediate measures to restore this building with the involvement of His Lordship the Chief Justice, Hon. The Attorney General and the BASL,

c) Create a Trust with all stake holders for the development of the Court houses.
Apart from the Hulftsdorp Court complex most of the Court complexes throughout the Island lack basic facilities. Public sitting areas, public toilets, facilities for the local practitioners, child friendly premises, child care facilities and disabled access are same such facilities that ought to be introduced immediately.

The above immediate measures are absolutely necessary and we urge you take immediate steps to take action to resolve these issues. Any further delay would result in a major catastrophe.

We at the BASL would request you to make this collective effort to save this heritage for the future generations of this Nation.