W.G. M.M.C.B. Yatawaka vs M. S. Amarasekera – CA NO. 149/2003-2012

In the case between W.G. M.M.C.B. Yatawaka (Petitioner) and M.S. Amarasekera (Chairman, Urban Development Authority), with other officers of the Urban Development Authority and Ministries as respondents, the court addressed the legality of a land acquisition conducted under Section 38(a) of the Lands Acquisitions Act. It was held that, subsequent to a Gazette notification revoking the State’s acquisition of the disputed land, the substantive application became unnecessary. The principles reaffirmed emphasize that procedural relief becomes moot if the impugned administrative action is revoked during proceedings. The decision relied upon statutory provisions governing land acquisition and revocation, highlighting judicial restraint in continuing proceedings where a material change has render