Udawattage Don Douglas Meril vs. Divisional Secretary et al. – CA/WRIT 0397/19-2021

In the case between Udawattage Don Douglas Meril (Petitioner) and the Divisional Secretary, Maharagama, with others as Respondents, the court addressed whether the Petitioner was entitled to a writ of certiorari quashing the Divisional Secretary’s decision on land acquisition and possession, and to writs of mandamus compelling resettlement or ex gratia payments. It was held that no legal basis existed to challenge the Divisional Secretary’s communication or to mandate resettlement or ex gratia relief, as no statutory duty or enforceable promise was established. The principle affirmed was that judicial review is not warranted absent a clear statutory or contractual violation. Reliance was placed on the Land Acquisition Act, with clear emphasis that administrative action following lawful lan