Rankoth Pedige Anil Saman Kumara v. OIC, Anti Corruption Unit, Chilaw – CA PHC 33/15-2017

In the case between Rankoth Pedige Anil Saman Kumara and the OIC, Anti-Corruption Unit, Chilaw, the court addressed whether the registered owner of a vehicle used by another to transport prohibited goods without a permit is entitled to prevent the forfeiture of his vehicle. It was held that mere ownership and instructions to refrain from illegal activity do not suffice; the owner must demonstrate having taken all possible precautions to prevent misuse. The holding reaffirmed the principle that the burden lies with the owner to prove a genuine and effective effort to prevent unauthorized use, with reference to authorities including Manawadu v. Attorney-General. The decision emphasized that inadequate supervision or only giving verbal instructions does not meet the statutory requirement, lea