Appuhamige Heenamanike Vs. J.W.S.Kithsiri and others – CA WRIT/71/2016-2016

In the case between Appuhamige Heenamanike (Petitioner) and J.W.S. Kithsiri, Divisional Secretary, along with other government officials and Churtha Kumari Gunarathna (Respondents), the court addressed whether a petitioner without formal title but claiming long-term possession could secure a Writ of Mandamus or Certiorari to amend the boundaries of a Presidential Land Grant granted under the Land Development Ordinance. The petitioner’s request was dismissed on the grounds of absence of legal title, lack of locus standi, and the inapplicability of amending Presidential Grants under the relevant statute. Delay in bringing the action was not excused due to pursuit of extra-legal remedies, and it was established that a trespasser cannot initiate such writ proceedings. The judgment relied on st