W.M.A. Jayawardena v. W. Gunasena – CA 928/97 F -1997

In the case between W.M.A. Jayawardena (Plaintiff) and W. Gunasena, Divisional Officer, Panamura Agrarian Services Office (Defendant), the court addressed whether the Defendant, a State Officer, unlawfully prevented the Plaintiff from cultivating certain lands, and whether such conduct amounted to a personal rather than official act, entitling the Plaintiff to claim damages. The claims further questioned the necessity to join the Hon. Attorney General as a party and the characterization of the dispute as monetary or involving land rights. It was held that the Plaintiff sought damages for alleged malicious actions by the Defendant, which were determined to be personal and not within official capacity. The requirement to join the Attorney General was found inapplicable, and both the Plaintif