H.A.J. Fonseka et al. vs Minister of Lands et al. – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO. 408/2011-2015

In the case between H.A.J. Fonseka and others (petitioners) and the Minister of Lands and others (respondents), the court addressed the legality of the compulsory acquisition of the petitioners’ land for a road-widening project, focusing on compliance with statutory procedures under the Land Acquisition Act. It was held that due process was not followed, as proper notice was not served personally or on the petitioners’ premises, and the stated public purpose for acquisition was insufficiently specific. The decision reaffirmed the principle that affected parties must be given meaningful notice and an adequately disclosed public purpose, relying on statutory requirements and precedent, particularly Manel Fernando v. Minister of Lands (2000). The court emphasized that a general statement of “