Harangalla Plantation (Pvt.) Ltd. vs Sri Lanka Tea Board – CA WRT/184/2020-2022

The case between Harangalla Plantation (Pvt.) Ltd. and the Sri Lanka Tea Board concerned whether the regulatory authority lawfully suspended or cancelled the registration of the Petitioner’s tea factory based on findings of sugar contamination in tea production. It was held that the Sri Lanka Tea Board acted within its statutory powers under section 8(2) of the Tea Control Act and associated directives, which interpret the “manner of operation” as including acts, such as adding sugar, that affect tea quality and naturalness. The principle that writ relief should not be granted where an effective statutory appeal exists was reaffirmed. The decision relied on interpretation of the Tea Control Act and Board-issued directives, emphasizing that regulatory measures aimed at preserving product qu