W.H. M. Gunaratne and 4 others vs Land Reform Commission and another – CA 427/2005-2013

In the case between W.H. M. Gunaratne and four others (Petitioners) and the Land Reform Commission and another (Respondents), the court addressed the issue of whether the Land Reform Commission had lawful authority to issue quit notices under the State Lands (Recovery of Possession) Act in respect of ‘Allington Estate.’ The court held that writ relief was not appropriate where title to land remained in dispute and Petitioners did not establish clear ownership or possession; the Commission’s administrative proceedings were upheld, with recourse for aggrieved parties to seek remedies in a competent civil court. This decision reaffirmed the principle that disputed land titles and inadequate evidence preclude the exercise of writ jurisdiction to quash administrative acts. Reliance was placed o