Ariyakammattana vs. The Minister of Buddha Sasana and Others – CA WRIT/225/2022-2022

In the case between Ariyakamattana of Bomaluwa Helagama, Maha Urulawa, Andiyagala (Petitioner) and the Minister of Buddha Sasana Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Widura Wickramanayake, the Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Prof. Anura Manatunga, and other related public officials (Respondents), the court addressed whether the Petitioner was entitled to writs of mandamus compelling authorities to secure and conserve specified archaeological sites and to issue administrative directives for their protection. It was held that no unjustifiable refusal of statutory duty by public authorities had been evidenced, as authorities had already taken reasonable steps to address the Petitioner’s concerns, and that the Antiquities Ordinance precluded direct private conservation by the Petitioner. The p