I.M.C. Priyadarshani vs Athukoralage Sujith Sanjeewa Athukorala – CA CHC 89/2016-2022

In the case between I.M.C. Priyadarshani, Competent Authority, Plantation Management Monitoring Division, Ministry of Plantation & Industries, and Athukoralage Sujith Sanjeewa Athukorala, the court addressed whether the Appellant could lawfully contest or appeal the Magistrate’s order of ejectment under the State Lands (Recovery of Possession) Act No. 7 of 1979. It was held that an order issued by the Magistrate under the Act was not subject to further appeal, and the High Court’s dismissal for want of jurisdiction did not constitute a final judgment permitting appeal. This outcome reaffirmed the principle that statutory finality under the State Lands (Recovery of Possession) Act precludes further appellate recourse except as expressly provided. The findings relied on relevant acts and jud