G. Sumith J. de Silva and others vs Land Reform Commission and others – CA WRIT/20/2021-2023

In the case between the heirs of the late Gajasinghege Stephen De Silva (Petitioners) and the Land Reform Commission (LRC) and its associated officers, the court addressed the entitlement and rightful release of a specified extent of land under the legacy of Stephen De Silva. The issue focused on whether the LRC’s representations and actions over several decades, alongside the proper application of the Land Reform Law and the doctrine of legitimate expectations, required the restoration of the land to the Petitioners. It was determined that a writ of Mandamus compelling the LRC to release a minimum area of A17-R3-P23 or its equivalent is warranted, reaffirming the principle that statutory bodies are bound by their assurances and the doctrine of public trust. Reliance was placed on relevant