Stephen Perera and Others vs Minister of Lands, Irrigation and Mahaweli Development and Another – sllr 2003 volume 1 page 044

In the case between Stephen Perera and others (Plaintiffs/Appellants) and the Minister of Lands, Irrigation and Mahaweli Development and the National Housing Development Authority (Defendants/Respondents), the issue concerned the challenge to a land acquisition order under the Land Acquisition Act, coupled with the inability to implement two attempted settlements offering alternate land to the Plaintiffs. The court held that, due to the failure of the agreed settlements and resulting prejudice, equitable compensation was required in lieu of substituted performance. It was established that compensation, rather than substituted land, was appropriate, and an order was made for Rs. 3,300,000 to be paid by the National Housing Development Authority, with interest if payment was delayed. The dec