K. M. K. Prasad Bandara Kulatunga vs Dr. Nevil Gunawardena – CA 71/2008-2013

In the case between K.M.K. Prasad Bandara Kulatunga (Petitioner) and Dr. Nevil Gunawardena, U. Liyanage, and the Hon. Attorney General (Respondents), the court addressed the legality of the seizure and forfeiture of the Petitioner’s vehicle by the Customs Department, specifically whether a Writ of Certiorari should issue to quash order X7. It was held that the Petitioner failed to establish any valid legal grounds for such relief, given the absence of an import permit, non-payment of customs duty, and undue delay in seeking judicial review. The principle reaffirmed was that judicial remedies, particularly extraordinary writs, require clear legal grounds and timely action. The findings relied on evidence from official documentation and prior related rulings, emphasizing that applications la