History of the Homagama

Evolution of the Homagama

The Homagama has served as a cornerstone of the administration of justice in the region for over five decades, serving the people of Homagama and the surrounding areas with dedication and integrity.

Homagama Courtroom

1970: Establishment & Early Jurisdiction

The Court was established on 20th March 1970, initially functioning from a single-storey building located on the site where the present court complex now stands. At its inception, the Court exercised jurisdiction over criminal matters arising from the Police Divisions of Homagama, Athurugiriya, Nawagamuwa, Kahathuduwa, Maharagama, and parts of the Hanwella and Padukka Police Divisions. As the judicial system expanded, the jurisdictions of Maharagama, Kahathuduwa, and Nawagamuwa were subsequently reassigned to the Magistrate's Courts of Nugegoda, Kesbewa, and Kaduwela respectively.

1973: Amalgamation

A significant milestone in the Court's development was reached in 1973, when the District Court was amalgamated with the Homagama Magistrate's Court, forming the Homagama District/Magistrate's Combined Court. This arrangement enabled the institution to administer both civil and criminal justice under one establishment.

1987 - 1990: Resilience Through Unrest

The Court endured one of the most challenging periods in its history during the civil unrest of 1987, when the courthouse was set on fire. Despite this setback, the administration of justice continued uninterrupted. Court sittings were first temporarily relocated to Hulftsdorp and were later conducted from the Children's Detention Centre in Kottawa. Following the completion of restoration work, the Court returned to its original premises in 1990, demonstrating the resilience and unwavering commitment of the judiciary and its staff.

1992 - 1993: Separation of the District Court

In 1992, a separate District Judge was appointed. During this transitional period, both the Magistrate and the District Judge continued to hear civil and criminal matters. Subsequently, in 1993, a separate District Court was formally established in an adjoining building, allowing the Magistrate's Court and the District Court to function as distinct judicial institutions.

2014 - 2016: A Modern Court Complex

Another landmark chapter in the Court's history commenced in 2014, when the original courthouse was demolished to make way for a modern court complex. During the construction period, the Homagama Magistrate's Court operated from temporary premises located on Court Road, Homagama. The new four-storey court complex was ceremonially declared open on 4th January 2016, marking a new era in the administration of justice. Since then, the Magistrate's Court has been housed on the ground floor, providing improved facilities for court users and staff alike.

Present Day: Commitment to Justice

Today, the Homagama Magistrate's Court continues to uphold the rule of law with dedication, integrity, and impartiality. Headed by the Magistrate and supported by a committed staff of 39 officers (26 Scheduled Officers, 10 Minor Staff members, and 3 Fiscal Officers), the Court currently exercises criminal jurisdiction over the Police Divisions of Homagama, Kottawa, and Meegoda, as well as parts of the Athurugiriya, Hanwella, and Padukka Police Divisions. Guided by its enduring commitment to justice, the Court remains steadfast in delivering fair, efficient, and accessible judicial services while preserving public confidence.