Wickremasinghe and Another v. The Urban Development Authority – sllr 2002 volume 3 page 253

The case between Wickremasinghe and Another (petitioners) and the Urban Development Authority (respondent) addressed the issue of whether the unilateral revocation of planning and development powers delegated to the Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha under section 23(5) of the Urban Development Authority (Amendment) Act, No. 4 of 1982, was legally permissible without reasons being given. It was held that the revocation was improper due to the failure to provide reasons and lack of consultation, thereby violating principles of natural justice and the doctrine of legitimate expectation. The decision reaffirmed the principle that when administrative authorities exercise discretionary powers affecting individual or institutional rights, those powers must be exercised fairly, transparently, and reason