Krishni Manika Rupasinghe vs Engineer P.K. Padmakeerthi – 200/17-2021

In the case between Krishni Manika Rupasinghe (Appellant) and Engineer P.K. Padmakeerthi, Divisional Irrigation Director, Colombo Division, and the Hon. Attorney General (Respondents), the court addressed whether the respondent was the “competent authority” under the Government Quarters (Recovery of Possession) Act, No. 7 of 1969, to seek recovery of government quarters from the appellant. The central holding established that the Divisional Irrigation Director, authorized by the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, possessed the legal competence to initiate proceedings for the recovery of possession. It was further determined that the appellant’s claims regarding legitimate expectation, continued occupation due to salary deductions, and procedural defects in the affidavits l