Supreme Court of Sri Lanka Leads Digital Transformation with e-Filing Initiative,
The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has marked a significant milestone in its digital transformation with the implementation of its e-Filing Portal under the e-Courts Project. This initiative reflects the Court’s ongoing commitment to modernizing Judicial processes and enhancing the delivery of Justice through the use of technology.
The e-Filing Portal was officially opened to the public on 10th February 2026, enabling Attorneys-at-Law to file cases electronically. Since its launch, several cases have been successfully filed through the system, demonstrating its effectiveness and growing acceptance within the legal community.
On 26th March 2026, the Supreme Court achieved a historic milestone by conducting its first fully electronic, paperless proceeding in open court. This marked a major advancement in the transition towards a fully digital Judicial system.
The first case to be handled entirely through the e-Filing system was SC Contempt 03/2026. In this matter, all parties utilized digitally submitted documents. The Registrar of the Supreme Court formally read the charge sheet in open court, digitally signed the document, and uploaded it to the system in real time. The charge sheet was immediately accessible electronically to both the Counsel for the Respondents and the Counsel for the Attorney General’s Department for perusal.
The present contempt proceedings arose from the non-compliance with the judgment of the Supreme Court delivered on 31st December 2024 in Fundamental Rights Applications, which concerned the leak of the Grade 5 Scholarship 2024 examination paper. In these cases, one of the Respondents was directed to pay a sum of Rupees Three Million (Rs. 3,000,000/-) as compensation to the State. The Respondent’s failure to comply with the Court’s order led to the institution of proceedings in SC Contempt 03/2026.
The proceedings were presided over by Hon. Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, together with Hon. Justice Arjuna Obeyesekere and Hon. Justice Dr. Sobitha Rajakaruna, Judges of the Supreme Court.
The occasion was further attended by Registrar Hon. Manodhi Hewawasam, Deputy Registrars Hon. Abimani Seneviratne and Hon. Tharindu Weerasena, along with members of the IT team and staff of the Supreme Court. The development of the system was supported by Mr. Uvindu Anuradha of The Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT-Mobitel), who contributed to the successful development of the e-Filing platform.
The introduction of the e-Filing system represents a progressive step towards a more efficient, transparent, and technologically advanced Judiciary. It is expected to streamline court procedures, reduce reliance on physical documentation, and enhance overall case management, while aligning the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka with evolving global practices in digital court administration.
It is reliably understood that members of the legal profession are likely to increasingly adopt the e-Filing system, as it offers a more cost-effective alternative to traditional paper-based processes. The preparation of voluminous appeal briefs and other court documents typically entails significant expenses, including costs for paper, printing, toners, file covers, related materials, and foreign exchange. The transition to electronic filing is therefore expected to generate substantial cost savings, while also enhancing efficiency and promoting sustainability within the Judicial system.
As the Supreme Court approaches its 225th anniversary, this initiative stands as a evidence to its forward-looking vision. The Court remains committed to further advancing digitalization and fast-tracking the transformation of Judicial services across the country.
