Magistrate's court (Sri Lanka)

The magistrate's courts in Sri Lanka is a court of first instance headed by a magistrate who is vested with original criminal jurisdiction.

The Minister in charge of the subject of Justice in consultation with the Chief Justice and the President of the Court of Appeal would define the territorial limits of each judicial division.

At present there are 72 judicial divisions in Sri Lanka.

[2] It has jurisdiction of; Every magistrate's court is vested with original criminal jurisdiction (other than in respect of offences upon indictment in the High Court), and is ordinarily empowered to impose sentences up to a fine of Rs.

1,500 and/or 2 years rigorous/simple imprisonment unless power is vested in the Magistrate's Court to impose higher penalties by special provision.