Understanding the Principles of Relevancy in Sri Lankan Evidential Law

Relevancy is the cornerstone of evidential law in Sri Lanka, adhering to principles derived from the Evidence Ordinance of 1895. It determines the admissibility of evidence in legal proceedings.

While relevancy concerns the relation between facts and issues, admissibility is governed by legal rules. In Sri Lanka, evidence must be both relevant and admissible to be considered by courts.

In Sri Lankan law, a fact is relevant if it is closely connected to the issue. This includes facts that form part of the same transaction, providing a contextual background for the case.

Character evidence is generally excluded to prevent prejudice. However, in Sri Lanka, such evidence is admissible if character is directly in issue, as in defamation cases.

Res Gestae, a doctrine of relevancy in Sri Lanka, allows statements and actions contemporaneous with the event of interest as exceptions to the hearsay rule, providing a more complete story.

With the rise of technology, Sri Lankan courts now accept electronic evidence. However, its relevancy is scrutinized under the same principles as traditional evidence, ensuring its connection to the case.

Judges in Sri Lanka wield discretion in determining relevancy. This allows them to exclude evidence if its prejudicial effect outweighs its probative value, balancing fairness with the pursuit of truth.