A. L. Shiran Gooneratne J.

1. This matter arises pursuant to a letter dated 09/01/2008 addressed to the Honourable Chief Justice by Major W. W. M. L. S. Palipana (hereinafter referred to as the Complainant), requesting an inquiry into the conduct of Mr. Wasantha Wijewardane, Attorney-at-Law (hereinafter referred to as the Respondent), in relation to a professional retainer.

2. The Complainant, by letter dated 27/02/2008, along with his Affidavit and other documents, alleged that the Respondent was retained to take necessary legal steps to implement the decisions of the Supreme Court dated 01/03/2006 and 15/02/2007 in SC (FR) 68/2006. An advance payment of Rs. 50,000 was made on 09/11/2007, being half of the agreed fee of Rs. 100,000. However, due to repeated inaction and evasive conduct by the Respondent, the Complainant on 05/12/2007, requested the Respondent that the matter need not be pursued further and sought the return of his documents and fees.

3. Following further correspondence and a meeting in mid-December 2007, the Complainant was handed a draft Petition which he deemed untimely and ineffective. He subsequently returned the draft and reiterated his request for a refund via