Hettige Don Somapala vs Hon. Janaka Bandara Tennakoon – CA 739/2009-2013

In the case between Hettige Don Somapala (Petitioner) and Hon. Janaka Bandara Tennakoon (Minister of Lands and Land Development), Dr. Nihal Jayathilleka (Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Western Province), and others (Respondents), the court addressed the issue of whether a Writ of Mandamus should be issued compelling the authorities to proceed with land acquisition under the Land Acquisition Act and to pay compensation to the Petitioner. It was held that the prerequisites for the writ were not satisfied because the acquisition lacked a valid public purpose, necessary approvals had not been obtained, and payment of compensation had not been deposited in accordance with statutory requirements. The principle reaffirmed was that writs of Mandamus are discretionary and issued only wher