Liyanage and Others v. Gampaha Urban Council and Others – sllr 1991 volume 1 page 001

In LIYANAGE AND OTHERS (Petitioners) versus GAMPAHA URBAN COUNCIL AND OTHERS (Respondents), the court considered whether the Urban Council acted ultra vires in establishing a weekly fair on Market Street, a public thoroughfare. It was held that the Council exceeded its statutory powers by closing the street and allocating spaces for vendors, obstructing its use as a thoroughfare. This determination rested on the interpretation of the Urban Councils Ordinance and established case law concerning the doctrine of ultra vires, confirming that statutory authorities must act strictly within the scope of authority granted by legislation. The issuance of writs of Certiorari and Prohibition reaffirmed that any use of statutory powers contrary to their express legislative grant—especially those inter