Metilda Ariyapperuma alias Ariyapperuma Arachchige Dona Metilda v. Hon. Janaka Bandara Thennekoon et al. – CA WRIT/330/2013-2013

In the case between Metilda Ariyapperuma alias Ariyapperuma Arachchige Dona Metilda (Petitioner/Respondent) and Hon. Janaka Bandara Thennekoon, Minister of Land and Land Development, among others (Respondents), the court addressed the legality of the acquisition of a 33-perch land parcel and the proper procedure for third-party intervention in writ applications. It was held that the application for intervention by third parties, previously dismissed due to counsel’s absence, should be relisted despite a 1.5-month delay, on the basis of sufficient explanation and supporting evidence of a diary error. The court reaffirmed that intervention in writ applications requires a sufficient legal basis and interest but found the delays in seeking restoration should not bar consideration where support