Nimalasiri v. Divisional Secretary, Galewela – sllr 2003 volume 3 page 085

The case between Nimalasiri (Plaintiff) and the Divisional Secretary, Galewela (Defendant), addressed whether the cancellation of a liquor licence violated the principles of natural justice by denying the petitioner a fair opportunity to be heard. It was held that the cancellation of the petitioner’s 2002 FL 11 liquor licence, based solely on an adverse report and without giving the petitioner an opportunity to respond, contravened the rules of natural justice. The Court reaffirmed the principle that no person should suffer loss of property or rights without a fair hearing, relying on authorities such as Gamaiath v Commissioner General of Excise, Errington v Minister of Health, Schmidt v Secretary of State for Home Affairs, Marshreq Bank PSC v Arunachalam, and Regina v Barnsley Metropolita