The judicial system of Sri Lanka has a rich and evolving history dating back to the colonial era. The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, in its present form, was established under the 1978 Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Prior to 1978, the judicial system underwent several transformations. During the British colonial period, the Supreme Court was originally established in 1801 by the Royal Charter of Justice, with Sir Codrington Edmund Carrington serving as the first Chief Justice.

Following independence in 1948, the Soulbury Constitution of 1946 retained the Supreme Court as the highest court of appeal. The 1978 Constitution further strengthened the Court's role, particularly in constitutional adjudication, fundamental rights protection, and statutory review.