Peiris vs Acquiring Officer, Kolonnawa – sllr 2003 volume 3 page 189

The case between Peiris (plaintiff/petitioner and subsequently the widow as petitioner) and the Acquiring Officer, Kolonnawa (defendant/1st respondent) addressed the issue of whether the compensation determined for compulsory land acquisition under the Land Acquisition Act was arbitrary, inadequate, and procedurally unfair. It was held that the inquiry process surrounding compensation was vitiated by procedural irregularities, with deficiencies in fairness constituting a breach of natural justice. The principle reaffirmed is that administrative discretion must be exercised in accordance with the rules of natural justice, ensuring affected parties a fair hearing and adequate reasons. This decision relied on principles underpinning natural justice and judicial review, despite the existence o