Galapaththi Arachchi Nihal Nandasiri et al v Galapaththi Arachchige Ajith Indrasiri et al – CA WRIT 333/2016-2016

In the case between Galapaththi Arachchi Nihal Nandasiri and others, and Galapaththi Arachchige Ajith Indrasiri and others, the court addressed whether the succession and grant of State land upon the death of the original grantee was lawfully administered under the Land Development Ordinance, particularly as to the application of sections 68 and 72. It was held that the grant in question was made pursuant to section 19(4), and consequently, the statutory succession process prescribed by the Ordinance, including the relevant schedule, applied. The ruling reaffirmed that State land succession in these circumstances is governed strictly by these statutory provisions, and State officials act within their authority when adhering to them. This decision relied on the interpretation of the Land De