Mapalagamage Leelawathie vs P.P.R.A.S. Perera – SC APPEAL NO. 166/2010-2010

In Mapalagamage Leelawathie v. P.P.R.A.S. Perera, the court considered the interpretation of “permit-holder” under the Land Development Ordinance, addressing whether occupation of alienated land without a formally issued permit satisfies the statutory requirements. It was determined that the appellant, as the widow of the deceased, neither possessed a valid permit nor fulfilled the obligation of entering into possession of the land within six months of the permit-holder’s death, as mandated by Section 68 (as amended) of the Ordinance. The findings established that the document relied on by the appellant did not constitute a formal permit under Section 25. The appeal was dismissed, affirming the judgment of the Civil Appellate High Court, and no costs were awarded. This decision relied on t