E.M.M.B. Ekanayake vs Anura Priyadarshana Yapa – CA 585/2010-2014

The case between E.M.M.B. Ekanayake (Rohana) and the Minister of Environment & Natural Resources (Anura Priyadarshana Yapa) along with several government respondents involved the court’s consideration of entitlement to writs of certiorari and mandamus related to the denial of a quarrying permit. The central issue addressed whether a legitimate legal right or expectation existed on the part of the Petitioner for the issuance of the permit, and if judicial interference was warranted given the change in the quarry’s use to a public project. The determination emphasized the absence of a cognizable legal right for the Petitioner, alongside administrative and legal barriers, thereby reaffirming the legal principle that such prerogative relief is only available where an enforceable legal right or