W.Harischandra vs Hon. Minister of Lands and Land Development – CA WRIT 437/13-2014

In the matter of W. Harischandra v. Hon. Minister of Lands and Land Development and others, the court considered whether a writ application concerning a land or land acquisition dispute should proceed when a similar application was pending before the Provincial High Court of Kegalla. It was held that, in light of the counsel’s request to withdraw the writ application to avoid duplication of proceedings, the application before the Court of Appeal should be dismissed without costs. The decision underscores the procedural principle that courts may exercise discretion to dismiss actions where parallel proceedings are ongoing, to ensure judicial efficiency and prevent conflicting outcomes.

Anil Goonerathne J. — The findings established that the counsel for the petitioner expressed an intent