B.P. Kulathilaka vs H.S.K.J. Bandara and others – CA (Writ) 627/2023-2025

In the matter of Mr. B.P. Kulathilaka (PETITIONER) vs. Mr. H.S.K.J. Bandara, Divisional Secretary, Thamankaduwa Divisional Secretariat, et al. (RESPONDENTS), the court addressed the issue of land classification (‘high land’ vs. ‘paddy land’) affecting compensation and the rejection of an appeal by the Board of Review due to late filing. The court held that it is reluctant to grant relief when material facts are in dispute, as these require a full evidentiary hearing, and that the Board of Review acted within its powers by rejecting the appeal for non-compliance with the time period. This decision reaffirmed the principle that alternative remedies must be exhausted. The court dismissed the writ application, finding that the Board of Review acted according to the provisions of the Land Acqui