J.P.G. Codippili vs. Warugapperuma Arachchige Ranjith Padmalal Gunewardena – CA/RII/46/2023-2024

In the case between John Peter Gamini Codippili (Petitioner) and Warugapperuma Arachchige Ranjith Padmalal Gunewardena, Chairman of Gampaha Pradeshiya Sabhawa (Respondent), along with the substituted respondent Suraweera Arachchige Nirosha Prasadini Suraweera, the court addressed the legality of a demolition order executed against the petitioner’s gate under the Urban Development Law and its amendments. It was determined that the demolition order was ultra vires, based on a fraudulent technical report and without adherence to principles of natural justice. The principle reaffirmed was that statutory powers must be exercised within their delegated limits, with strict adherence to due process. The decision relied on statutory interpretation, the doctrines of ultra vires acts, delegation of s