The Royal Court of the Kandyan Kingdom
Posted on May 2nd, 2026
Senaka Weeraratna
The Kingdom of Kandy (1594–1815) maintained a unique legal system rooted in Sinhalese customary law and oral tradition, which survived the colonial eras of the Portuguese and Dutch. Unlike the written codes of Europe, Kandyan law was dynamic, centered on the King as the supreme “fountain of justice” and guided by long-standing social customs.
1. Traditional Judicial Hierarchy
Before the British annexation, justice was administered through a tiered structure that prioritized reconciliation for minor offenses and royal authority for grave crimes.
- Gamsabha (Village Tribunals): The most localized level, where village elders resolved minor disputes (theft, boundary issues, petty quarrels). These courts focused on compromise and social harmony rather than punishment.
- Rata Sabha: Operating at the district level, these assemblies handled matters involving agriculture, social conduct, and caste status.
- Provincial Authority: Officials like Disavas (provincial governors) and Adigars (chief ministers) held significant civil and criminal jurisdiction within their territories, often consulting minor officers on legal technicalities.
- Maha Naduwa (Great Court): A high tribunal composed of senior chiefs and officials that heard major cases referred by the king.
- The King: The final court of appeal. The monarch held exclusive power over treason, homicide, and disputes between high officials.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT-BuS65xr8
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