KA Mary Nona vs HAP Wimaladasa – SC APPEAL 39A/2010-2015

In the case between KA Mary Nona (Plaintiff-Respondent) and HAP Wimaladasa (Defendant-Appellant), the Supreme Court considered whether the land permit in question had been issued under the Land Development Ordinance or the State Land (Crown Land) Ordinance, as well as the legal effect of the permit-holder’s death on succession and possession rights. The main holding established that the permit was issued under the Crown Land Ordinance and not the Land Development Ordinance, resulting in the termination of rights upon the permit-holder’s death. It was decided that prior judgments granting possession to the Plaintiff-Respondent were incorrect, with emphasis placed on preventing unlawful occupation of state lands. This conclusion was reached with reference to the wording of the issued permit