Jayaratne vs. National Gem & Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka and Others – sllr 2020 volume 1 page 221

In the case between the Petitioner (conditional transferee of a 1/3 share in “Ma Wee Kumbura”) and the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) of Sri Lanka with other respondents, the court addressed the legality of revenue share distribution arising from a gemming license where ownership of subterranean (mineral) rights and the extent of the NGJA’s powers were in dispute. It was held that while the NGJA may conduct a preliminary assessment of ownership for licensing purposes, it lacks authority to resolve substantive disputes regarding title and revenue among claimants. The court reaffirmed that any separate transfer of mineral rights must be clearly stipulated, and that the authority’s jurisdiction is limited to administrative matters pending eventual judicial determination. Relief w