B A Pujitha v. Punna Vijitha Palihakkarawasam Wijesekera and Hon. Attorney General – C A PHC/53/2011-2017

In the case between B A Pujitha (Appellant) and Punna Vijitha Palihakkarawasam Wijesekera, General Manager of Railways (Respondent), the court addressed the issue of lawful entitlement to possession of premises owned by the Railways Department following termination of all agreements and the issuance of an eviction order. It was determined that the Appellant lacked any valid written authority or permit to remain in possession under the State Lands (Recovery of Possession) Act. The principle reaffirmed was that, absent a valid and unrevoked State permit or written authority, continued occupation is unlawful, and eviction is a mandatory remedy. The decision relied on relevant statutory provisions and established case law, clarifying that the burden lies with the possessor to demonstrate lawfu