Maskeliya Plantations PLC vs Sri Lanka Tea Board – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO 337/2020-2024

The case between Maskeliya Plantations PLC (Petitioner) and the Sri Lanka Tea Board, including Jayampathy Molligoda (Chairman), focused on the legality of the cancellation of the registration of the Craig Estate Tea Factory. The central issue concerned whether the administrative decision was vitiated by procedural impropriety and a breach of natural justice, particularly regarding the surprise inspection, laboratory procedures, and inquiry process. It was held that the cancellation was invalid due to fundamental procedural and substantive defects, affirming the principle that statutory powers must be exercised fairly, transparently, and in compliance with the rules of natural justice. Reliance was placed on the requirements of Section 8(2) of the Tea Control Act and judicial precedents gov