Rajeswari Nadarajah vs Hon. Bandula Gunawardena et al. – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO. 403/2008-2014

In the case between Rajeswari Nadarajah (Petitioner) and Bandula Gunawardena, Mahipala Herath, A.P.G. Kithsiri, Sunil Premachandra, and Yatiyanthota Multipurpose Co-operative Societies Limited (Respondents), the court addressed whether writs of mandamus should be issued to compel de-requisition and return of property owned by the petitioner, and whether the existence of a private tenancy agreement and delay in seeking relief preclude such remedy. It was held that the existence of a valid tenancy agreement and unexplained delay barred the issuance of a writ, reaffirming the principle that writ remedies are discretionary and unavailable where alternative adequate legal remedies exist. Reliance was placed on statutory provisions governing writs and legal authorities emphasizing the inappropri