Lankem Tea & Rubber Plantations (Pvt) Ltd., V Central Bank of Sri Lanka and Others – sllr 2004 volume 2 page 133

The case between Lankem Tea & Rubber Plantations (Pvt) Ltd. and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka & Others addressed the issue of whether the imposition of penalties for alleged violations of the Exchange Control Act (specifically concerning provisions 7, 10(1), 11(1), 51, and 52) was lawful, particularly considering the lack of reasons given and absence of an opportunity for the petitioner to show cause. It was held that the penalties were imposed ultra vires, without evidentiary basis, and in breach of procedural fairness and natural justice. The court reaffirmed the principle that failure to provide reasons amounts to an error of law and a denial of natural justice. Reliance was placed on statutory requirements under the Exchange Control Act and general administrative law precedents. The im