Thappasara Muhandiramalage Karunaratne et al. vs National Gem And Jewellery Authority et al. – CA WRIT 155/2012-2013

In Thappasara Muhandiramalage Karunaratne and Others v. National Gem and Jewellery Authority and Others, the court addressed the lawfulness of granting a gemming licence by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (the Authority) to the 4th Respondent under Rule 8(2) of the Gem Corporation by-laws. It was determined that issuance of a licence requires at least 2/3 ownership or written consents from co-owners and that the rights of non-applicant co-owners must be adequately safeguarded. Upon review, the court held that the Authority’s procedure—relying on presented leases, consents, and an agreement securing the petitioners’ share—was neither illegal nor unreasonable. Referring to the extent of judicial review and emphasizing the Authority’s statutory power and procedural adherence, the dec