M.H. Ananda Jayadeva vs Divisional Secretary – CA 203/2012-2014

The case between M.H. Ananda Jayadeva and others (Paradise Beach Club, Mirissa South, Mirissa) and the Divisional Secretary, Divisional Secretariat, Weligama, along with the Hon. Attorney General, addressed the issue of whether a Writ of Prohibition under Article 140 of the Constitution of Sri Lanka should restrain respondents from undertaking specific actions related to the development of a canal. It was held that, since the respondents—through the Senior State Counsel—conceded to the petitioners’ primary relief (to develop rather than fill the canal), the relief sought was effectively granted and further proceedings were unnecessary. The principle reaffirmed is that judicial proceedings may be terminated where respondent parties concede the relief claimed by petitioners in open court. Th