Srimal Jayasinghe Vs Deputy Commissioner of Labour and 3 others.
Hon. Mayadunne Corea, J.
Necessary parties, fair hearing
The Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka.
2025-12-02
CA / WRIT/ 132/2015
Pussellawa Plantations Limited Vs Hon. Minister of Plantation Industries and others
Hon. Dhammika Ganepola, J.
2025-11-27
CA HCC 0246/2020
Gunasingha Arachchilage Susantha Kumara alias Ajith Vs. The Hon. Attorney General
Hon. Amal Ranaraja, J.
Exception 4, Sudden fight exception to the offence of murder - Criteria to be met to invoke the benefit of the exception – Contradictions in the defence – Discrepancies and improbabilities undermine the credibility of the appellant’s testimony
- Section 140, 146, 296 of the Penal Code. - Exception 4 to Section 294 of the Penal Code
2025-11-27
CA/HCC/ 0079-80/2023
Pelige Suranjith Kumara and other Vs The Hon. Attorney General
Hon. P. Kumararatnam, J.
Burden of proof • Charge
The Penal Code
2025-11-27
CA/ RII 08/2021
Mohamed Sawahir Hadija Aathika, Vs Pakeer Mohomad Asisa Umma, and others
Hon.Dr. Sumudu Premachandra J.
Finality is good but justice is better, Law assists the wakeful, not the sleepy Vigilantibus non dormientibus jura subveniunt,
2025-11-25
CA/HCC/ 0216/2020
Ranhawadi Gedara Sriyani Mangalika Rajapaksha alias Nona Akka Vs. The Attorney General
Hon. P. Kumararatnam, J.
Credibility and probability. • Inter se and per se contradictions. • Dock statement
The Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance as amended by Act No.13 of 1984
2025-11-25
CA/WRT/0611/25
Habeebu Lebbe Mohammed Rifan Vs Mohamed Thambi Mohamed Anver and others
Hon. K.M.G.H. Kulatunga, J.
Writ of quo warranto • Local Government Elections • Register of Voters • “Ordinarily resident”
Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka – Article 104H(1), 140 • Local Authorities Elections Ordinance – Section 4(1), (2), Section 8, Section 66 • Registration of Electors Act, No. 44 of 1980 – Section 4(1),(2)
2025-11-25
CA/HCC/ 26-31/2020
Mawadawilage Niluksha Madhushan Jayalath Vs The Hon. Attorney General
Hon. B. Sasi Mahendran, J.
Contradiction, omission, truthfulness, consistent, Common intention, unlawful assembly
section 140 of the Penal Code. , section 296 read with section 146 of the Penal Code., section 315 read with section 146 of the Penal Code, section 296 read with section 32 of the Penal Code, section 315 read with section 32 of the Penal Code
2025-11-25
CA/RTI 0001/2020
Hewa Baddage Gunaratne vs The Designated Officer, Department of Education, Uwa Province.
Hon. R. Gurusinghe, J.
Sufficient compliance by the Public Authority
Right to Information Act No. 12 of 2016.
2025-11-25
CA -HCC- 09/2022
Madawala Liyanage Kusumawathie Vs The Hon. Attorney General
Hon. B. Sasi Mahendran, J.
exclusive possession
Section 54 (a) (d) and Section 54 (a) (b) of the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, No. 13 of 1984, as amended
2025-11-24
CA/WRT/217/2025
Reckitt Benckiser (Lanka) Ltd Vs. National Medicines Regulatory Authority, State Engineering Corporation Building and Others
Hon. Rohantha Abeysuriya PC, J. (P/CA)
Administrative Silence Legitimate Expectation
Article 140 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka 2. National Medicines Regulatory Authority No 05 of 2015
2025-11-21
CA/PHC/0069/2020
W.A. Pushpa Kumara Vs. Chairman, Urban Council Kegalle.
Hon. K. M. S. DISSANAYAKE, J
Appeal from an Order of a Provincial High Court-Unauthorized construction-Defence available to an application under Section 28A(3) of the UDA Act as amended- Can a question mixed with fact and law be raised for the first time in Appeal.
Articles 138 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, section 28A(3) of the Urban Development Authority Act No. 41 of 1978 as amended.
2025-11-21
CA/HCC/ 0079-083/2014
Warnakulasuriya Chaminda Rohana Fernando and others Vs The Hon. Attorney General
Hon. P. Kumararatnam, J.
Standard of proof. • Inward journey. • Exclusive Conscious Possession. • Credibility of Evidence. • Conspiracy. • Ellenborough Dictum.
The Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance as amended by Act No.13 of 1984
2025-11-21
CA/WRT/0575/24
St. Anne’s Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd Vs The Director General of Customs and others.
Hon. K.M.G.H. Kulatunga, J.
Customs Inquiry • Procedural Fairness • Natural Justice • Right to be Heard/audi alteram partem • TIEP Scheme • Abuse of Procedure
Customs Ordinance (Chapter 235) – Sections 8(1) & (2), 22A, 50A(2), 129, and 163 • Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka – Article 140
2025-11-21
CA/ PHC/ 130/2018
Samarasinghe Kankanam Gamage Jeewani Nimali Vs Hon. Attorney General and another
Hon. Damith Thotawatte, J.
Section 8J (1) of the UDA Act, Section 28A of the UDA Act, A valid development permit, Delegation of powers, Statutory compliance.
The Urban Development Authority Law, No. 41 of 1978 as amended
2025-11-20
CA/WRT/440/2025
Raj Rajaratnam Vs Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and Others
Hon. Dr. D. F. H. Gunawardhana, J.
A sum of 3 Millon rupees was sent to Sri Lanka by the Petitioner to purchase shares in a commercial bank without prior permission of the Central Bank or the Department of Foreign Exchange – An investigation was conducted followed by a freezing order; resulted in a High Court indictment, which ended in a withdrawal and the Petitioner was never accused or indicted. The Respondents refused to uplift the freezing order or direct the 5th Respondent to release the money. The Petitioner is entitled to obtain a writ since the investigations conducted under the Foreign Exchange Control Act, No. 24 of 1953 ceased to exist upon the promulgation of the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017.
The Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka; Foreign Exchange Control Act, No. 24 of 1953; Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017
2025-11-20
CA/WRT/775/2023
M.W. Oshan Weerasinghe Vs Director General of Customs of the Bandaranayake International Airport and Others
Hon. Dr. D. F. H. Gunawardhana, J.
The Customs Ordinance conviction under Section 12 and 43, read with the Import and Export Control Act No. 01 of 1969 and Gazette bearing No. 1953/28, on the importation of fourteen gold biscuits without a license issued thereunder. Entitlement of the Petitioner to obtain such a license if the opportunity was not given. Nevertheless, after conviction, the Petitioner has exercised his right to appeal twice and obtained relief. Therefore, no writ lies.
The Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, and the Customs Ordinance.
2025-11-20
CA/WRT/834/2024
Kaluthota Investments and Leasing (Pvt) Ltd., and Loku Kaluthotage Nandasena Vs Ginthota Sarukkali Patebendige and 90 Others
Hon. Dr. D. F. H. Gunawardhana, J.
Partition action instituted in the District Court of Tangalle in respect of land situated within the same jurisdiction. Allegations that the entire land has not been depicted in the preliminary plan. However, before the commencement of the trial, the Petitioner sought the intervention of the writ court to obtain a writ compelling the District Court Judge to dismiss the action for the want of proper identification of the corpus. Held – the writ court cannot intervene into the matter since it affects the Judicial power of the parties since only the District Court of Tangalle has the jurisdiction in terms of Section 3(2) of the Partition Law, Section 6 of the Civil Procedure Code, and the Constitution. Though the writ court is empowered to issue writs, when there is no allegation of irrationality, act of ultra vires affecting the rights of the parties, or acted without evidence, no writ lies.
The Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
2025-11-20
CA-Writ-6-22
Kalanasuriya Arachchige Indrani Perera and another. Vs Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte Municipal Council and others.
Hon. Mayadunne Corea, J.
Mayadunne Corea, J.
Municipal Councils Ordinance Urban Development Authority, Law
2025-11-20
CA/WRT/89/2024
Amarathunga Arachchige Kapila Sampath Perera Vs The Minister of Lands and Others
Hon. Dr. D. F. H. Gunawardhana, J.
The original grantee had died and, before his death, had placed the 4 th Respondent in possession under a tenancy agreement, without permission of the Divisional Secretary, violating the conditions of the original grant. The Petitioner, who is the heir of the original grantee, seeks a writ against the Divisional Secretary for his decision to hold an inquiry to decide whether the Petitioner is entitled to the grant or whether the 4th and 5th Respondents, who are in possession, are entitled. Application was refused since it is the Divisional Secretary who should take a decision and, without going into evidence, this Court cannot decide.
The Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka; Land Development Ordinance
2025-11-20
CA/RII/0072/2024
Jason Lishon Batcho Vs Shenuka Anne Shireen Perera
Hon. R. Gurusinghe, J.
Alternative remedy
Article 138 of the Constitution
2025-11-20
CA/PHC/0099/2019
Marasinghe Mudiyanselage Chandrani Kanthilatha Vs. Registrar of Co-operative Societies and Commissioner of Co - operative Development and 3 Others
Hon. K. M. S. DISSANAYAKE, J
Appeal-Vires of Rule 49(xii)(a) of the Co-operative Societies Regulations 1973 read in conjunction with 58(3) of the North Central Province Co-operative Societies Statute of No. 5 of 2009 as amended-Definition of ratio decidendi and obiter dicta- Distinction between obiter dicta and judicial dicta-Legal effect of ratio decidendi, obiter dicta and judicial dicta-Doctrine of Approbation and Reprobation.
Constitution - Article 138 and 154P(6)-section 11 of the High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act No. 19 of 1990-Rule 49(xii)(a) of the Co-operative Societies Regulations 1973 read in conjunction with 58(3) of the North Central Province Co-operative Societies Statute of No. 5 of 2009 as amended.
2025-11-20
CA/PHC/0078/2020
N. Samantha Prasanna De Costa Vs. Thushara Chaminda Kariyawasam and another.
Hon. K. M. S. DISSANAYAKE, J
Appeal-Can an objection be taken by the Respondent to an application made to Court by the competent authority that the Respondent is not the Competent Authority within the meaning of the State Land (Recovery of Possession) Act No. 07 of 1979 as amended.
Article 138 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka-State Land (Recovery of Possession) Act No. 07 1979 (as amended) Sections 3, 4, 5(1), 6, 7, 8, 9(1) and 9(2) and 10-Section 3, 22,23,24 and Schedule B of the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka Act No. 23 of 1979.
2025-11-20
Kumastheru Liyange Sumudu Chinthaka Vs Bandula Jayasinghe Commissioner General of Lands, Land Commissioner General’s Department,
WRT/576/24
Hon. Adithya Patabendige, J.
Writ of Certiorari, Writ of Mandamus, Succession under the Land Development Ordinance, Applicability of Rule 1 of the Third Schedule of the Land Development Ordinance, Amendment Act No.11 of 2022.
Article 140 of the Constitution, Land Development Ordinance, Land
2025-11-19
CA/RII-0009/2021
Pulwansa Eranda Malaka De Silva and others Vs Geekiyanage Dulan Priyanga Silva
Hon.R. Gurusinghe, J.
Prejudiced substantial rights of parties or occasioned a failure of justice
Article 138 of the Constitution
2025-11-19
CA/Writ 0382/2022
Lokupatabandige Janitha Harsha Premalal vs Prof. Anura Manathunga, Director General, Department of Archaeology,
Hon. R. Gurusinghe, J, Hon. Dr. Sumudu Premachandra J.
Article 5 Kandyan Convention Article 9 What Buddhism to be protected "Vajirasana" - "Diamond Throne" "Hiriwaddunna Shri Bodhiraja Aranya Senasanya"
Article 140 of the Constitution Antiquities Ordinance as amended by Act No. 24 of 1998.
2025-11-19
CA/HCC/ 0179/2014
Buddhika Prasanna Liyanage Vs The Hon. Attorney General
Hon. P. Kumararatnam, J.
Standard of proof. • Inward journey.
The Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance as amended by Act No.13 of 1984
2025-11-18
CA/WRT/273/19
Super Neat Technology (Private) Limited Vs. Hon. P. Harrison, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Economic Affairs, Livestock Development, Irrigation and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development and others
Hon. K.M.G.H. Kulatunga, J.
suspension of tender • public procurement • mala fides • ultra vires • tender • public/administrative nature of a decision • certiorarified mandamus
Article 140 of the Constitution of Sri Lanka — conferring writ jurisdiction on the Court of Appeal. • Companies Act No. 7 of 2007
2025-11-17
HCC-132-133-24
Galla Arachchige Piyathilaka And others Vs The Hon. Attorney General,
Section 364 A (3) and Section 365B (2)(b) of the Penal Code as amended by Act no. 22 of 1995.
2025-11-12
CA/WRT/588/24
University of Peradeniya, Vs Maithree Wickramasinghe PC Chairman‚ University Services Appeal Board‚ Ward Place‚
Hon. Adithya Patabendige, J.
Writ of Certiorari, Inter alia, Ultra Vires, Jurisdiction of USAB, Vacation of post
Article 140 of the Constitution. Section 86 of the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978
2025-11-12
CA/RII/0017/2024
Regina Maitipe, Vs Thalatha Mervin Wahihena,
Hon. Dr. Sumudu Premachandra J.
audi alteram partem, Restitutio in integrum is a matter of grace and discretion
2025-11-12
CA PHC-166/20
Urumuththa Hewa Radage Janaka Sampath Vs Officer in Charge Police Station Akuressa
Hon. B. Sasi Mahendran, J.
confiscation, reasonable precautionary measures
Section 25(2) read with Section 40 of Act No. 65 of 2009 of the Forest Ordinance
2025-11-11
CA-HCC-132-23
Mudugamuwa Hewage Kelum Dinesh alias Duminda Mama, Vs The Hon. Attorney General,
Hon. B. Sasi Mahendran, J.
Consistent , corroboration, trustworthy
Section 436 of the Penal Code and Section 365B(2)(b) of the Penal Code, as amended by Act No. 22 of 1995, Act No. 29 of 1998, and Act No. 16 of 2006
2025-11-11
CA/WRT/0586/25
Don Chandima Gamage and other Vs R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Secretary - Samagi Jana Balawegaya and seven others
Hon. K.M.G.H. Kulatunga, J.
Local government elections • Women members’ quota • Proportional representation • Legitimate expectation • Wednesbury unreasonableness • Statutory interpretation • Negative prohibitory provisions • Irrationality / unreasonableness • Franchise • Sovereignty of the People
Local Authorities Elections Ordinance (as amended) - Section 27F(1): Mandates not less than 25% women representation in each local authority. - Section 65AA(2)–(4): Governs allocation and apportionment of women members among political parties and independent groups. Section 65A: Provisions on apportionment of elected and returned members. • Article 99A of the Constitution - Method of proportional apportionment applied mutatis mutandis under Section 65AA(3). • Article 3 of the Constitution - Sovereignty of the people and the franchise.
2025-11-11
CA/WRT/0607/25
Dissanayake Mudiyanselage Rohana Dissanayake and other Vs R.M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Secretary - Samagi Jana Balawegaya and seven others.
Hon. K.M.G.H. Kulatunga, J.
Local government elections • Women members’ quota • Proportional representation • Legitimate expectation • Wednesbury unreasonableness • Statutory interpretation • Negative prohibitory provisions • Irrationality / unreasonableness • Franchise • Sovereignty of the People
Local Authorities Elections Ordinance (as amended) - Section 27F(1): Mandates not less than 25% women representation in each local authority. - Section 65AA(2)–(4): Governs allocation and apportionment of women members among political parties and independent groups.Section 65A: Provisions on apportionment of elected and returned members. • Article 99A of the Constitution - Method of proportional apportionment applied mutatis mutandis under Section 65AA(3). • Article 3 of the Constitution - Sovereignty of the people and the franchise
2025-11-11
CA/HCC/ 0059/2013
Panadura Acharige Don Jayasiri Vs The Hon. Attorney General
Hon. P. Kumararatnam, J.
Probability. • Ellenborough and Lucus Principles. • Alibi
The Penal Code.
2025-11-11
CA/HCC/ 0145/2014
Mohamed Naseem Mohamed Nazar alias Mohamed Haseen Mohamed Nazar alias Gowa Nazar Vs The Hon. Attorney General
Hon. P. Kumararatnam, J.
Standard of proof. • Inward journey
The Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance as amended by Act No.13 of 1984.
2025-11-07
CA/WRIT/280/2024 and CA/WRIT/281/2024
Jayasuriya Arachchige Gayathri Sanjeewani Ranasinghe v National Medicines Regulatory Authority and others (CA WRIT/280/2024) Rajapaksha Pathiranage Dona Dinuda v National Medicines Regulatory Authority and others (CA WRIT/281/2024)
Hon. Mahen Gopallawa, J.
Release-public service-statutory authority-National Medicines Regulatory Authority- Public Service Commission Procedural Rules, 2022-disciplinary control-non-disclosure of material facts
The Constitution National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 Public Service Commission Procedural Rules, 2022
2025-11-07
CA (HCC)0091/2023
Angodage Janaka Sarath Kumara Vs Hon. Attorney General
Hon. R.P. Hettiarachchi, J.
Murder-Circumstantial evidence- Possibility of a mistaken identity-Section 27 recovery
Sections 102, 113B and 296 of the Penal Code - Section 27 of the Evidence Ordinance
2025-11-07
CA (HCC)0081/2022
Hatharabage Lekamlage Gunawardena Vs The Hon. Attorney General,
Hon. R.P. Hettiarachchi, J.
Murder-Grave and sudden provocation-Section 27 recovery-Dock statement-Culpable homicide not amounting to murder
Sections 294 296, 297 and 315 of the Penal Code - Section 27 of the Evidence Ordinance
2025-11-07
CA/PHC/0117/2018
R. M. B. G. Heenbanda Vs. Commissioner of Co-operative Development & Registrar (Central Province) and Two Others
K. M. S. DISSANAYAKE, J
Appeal-Vires of Rule 49(xii)(a) of the Co-operative Societies Regulations 1973 read in conjunction with section 72(2) of the Central Province Co-operative Societies Statute of No. 10 of 1990 as amended-Definition of ratio decidendi and obiter dicta- Distinction between obiter dicta and judicial dicta-Legal effect of ratio decidendi, obiter dicta and judicial dicta-Doctrine of Approbation and Reprobation.
Constitution - Article 138 and 154P(6)-section 11 of the High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act No. 19 of 1990-Rule 49(xii)(a) of the Co-operative Societies Regulations 1973 read in conjunction with section 72(2) of the Central Province Co-operative Societies Statute of No. 10 of 1990 as amended.
2025-11-07
CA/ WRT/0656/24
Amber Adventures (Private) Limited Vs Athma Dilukshi Jayaratne, Divisional Secretary, Udapalatha and six others.
Hon. K.M.G.H. Kulatunga, J.
Writ of Prohibition • Mala fides • Abuse of power • Ultra vires act • Collateral purpose • Cable car project • Divisional Secretary’s powers
Article 140 of the Constitution of Sri Lanka — confers writ jurisdiction on the Court of Appeal. • Mines and Minerals Act, No. 33 of 1992 — basis of the respondent’s unlawful complaint. • Urban Development Authority Law, No. 41 of 1978 — under which the project was approved.
2025-11-06
CA/HCC/ 0225/2017
Wettasinghe Appuhamilage Osman Perera Vs The Hon. Attorney General
Hon. P. Kumararatnam, J.
• Standard of proof. • Inward journey.
The Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance as amended by Act No.13 of 1984.
2025-11-06
CA HCC 18/2022
Yaddahige Chandrarathne, Vs The Hon. Attorney General,
Hon. Amal Ranaraja, J.
Suspension of sentences in light of factors such as the nature of the offence, the offender’s culpability, previous character, remorse and mitigating circumstances. Scope for a non-custodial sentence.
Sections 298 and 328 of the Penal Code, Section 303 of the Criminal Procedure Code Act No. 15 of 1979
2025-11-04
CA/WRT/448/2023
Amaraweera Wickrama Gunawardhana Tharanga Nalaka Vs Saman Jayasinghe, Commissioner General of Excise & 5 Others,
Hon. K. Priyantha Fernando, J. (CA)
Amendment of Pleadings; Interim Relief; Laches; Writ of Certiorari; Excise Notification 902 Rule 20(c); Distance Rule; Liquor License; Survey Report
L.A. Samanlatha Pushpakumari and others Vs University of the Visual & Performing Arts and others.
Hon. K.M.G.H. Kulatunga, J.
University of Visual and Performing Arts • Interview • Practical Tests • Rule against Bias/nemo judex in causa sua • Undue advantage • Academic discretion • Retrospective validation of marking schemes • Fair-minded and informed observer test
Article 140 of the Constitution of Sri Lanka — conferring writ jurisdiction on the Court of Appeal
2025-11-04
CA/WRT/144/23
Kotagama Mudiyanselage Gunawathi and Abeysinghe Mudiyanselage Ruwan Chaminda Vs K.P.S. Laroshani Perera (Registrar of Lands), Samantha Wijesinghe (Registrar General) and 5 others
Hon. K. Priyantha Fernando, J.(CA)
Registration of Deeds, Deed of Gift, Deed of Declaration, Registrar of Lands, Registrar General, Writ of Certiorari, Writ of Mandamus, Ultra Vires, Alternative Remedy, Dispute as to Title, Registration of Documents Ordinance
Registration of Documents Ordinance No. 23 of 1927 (Sections 13, 36, 38, 39), Registration of Title Act No. 21 of 1998 (discussed in context of alternative remedies)
2025-11-04
CA/HCC/0026/2021
Sudath Nishantha Koman Godage Vs The Hon. Attorney General
Hon. B. Sasi Mahendran, J.
discrepancy, consistence, exclusive possession
Section 54A (d) & (b) of the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, No. 13 of 1984, as amended
2025-11-03
CA/HCC/ 0018-019/2020
Galle Hettiarachchige Anil Jayantha And other Vs The Director General of Commission to Investigate Allegation of Bribery and Corruption
