Pussallawa Plantation Limited v. Minister of Plantation Industries et al. – CA 228/2012-2016

The case between Pussallawa Plantation Limited (Petitioner) and the Minister of Plantation Industries, Land Reform Commission, and Janatha Estate Development Board, among others (Respondents), addressed the legal authority of the Minister to re-vest a portion of estate land already leased to the Petitioner under section 27A(4) of the Land Reform Law. It was held that the Petitioner lacked locus standi to challenge the Minister’s order of re-vesting land since only leasehold rights existed, and title remained with the JEDB. The Petitioner was found not entitled to seek judicial review, as grievances should be pursued in private law against JEDB. The judgment reaffirmed the principle that the Minister’s power to revoke vesting may be exercised partially for purposes of public importance or u