Pothpitiyage Don Edward Prematilleke vs Commissioner of Co-operative Development (Western Province) et al. – CA PHC/APN/144/2014-2015

In the case between Pothpitiyage Don Edward Prematilleke (Petitioner) and the Commissioner of Co-operative Development (Western Province), W.H. Piyadasa (Arbitrator), the Hon. Attorney General, and Seemasahitha Remunegoda Sekasuruwam Ha Nayaganudenu Pilibanda Samupakara Samithiya (Respondents), the court addressed whether a revision application filed after extensive delay—over eight years since the High Court order—and absent express pleading or substantiation of “exceptional circumstances” is maintainable before the Court of Appeal under Article 138 of the Sri Lankan Constitution. It was held that the application was not maintainable due to substantial and unexplained delay and the lack of demonstrated exceptional circumstances. The court reaffirmed that revisionary jurisdiction requires