Mohamed Thawfeek Mukthar v. J.I. Ratnasiri – SC APPEAL 12/2006-2009

In the case between several appellants-respondents-appellants, including members of the Mukthar family, and the respondent-appellant-respondent represented by J.I. Ratnasiri, Divisional Secretary, the Supreme Court examined the appropriate statutory basis for determining the date for valuation of compensation following the acquisition of land. The key issue concerned whether valuation should refer to Section 4(2) of the Colombo District (Low Lying Areas) Reclamation and Development Board Act, No. 15 of 1968 (commencement date 22.09.1968), or to Section 7 of the Land Acquisition Act (publication date 24.04.1981). The Court ultimately held that the relevant date for valuation is the publication date under Section 7 of the Land Acquisition Act, affirming that questions concerning the state of