Madugalle vs National Housing Development Authority and Others – sllr 2020 volume 2 page 081

The case between Madugalle (Plaintiff) and the National Housing Development Authority and others (Defendants) addressed whether a writ jurisdiction can be invoked for grievances rooted in alleged breaches of contractual obligations involving both public and private entities. It was held that disputes emanating from contracts, regardless of public authority involvement, are to be resolved by the District Court and do not fall within the scope of writ jurisdiction. This decision reaffirmed the principle that writ remedies—such as certiorari or mandamus—are not available for purely contractual disputes, which must instead be pursued through private law remedies. Reliance was placed on relevant precedent and statutory interpretation, underscoring that judicial review is reserved for matters co