Sunil R. de Silva and P.D.D. Karunanayake v. Sri Lanka Ports Authority and R.M.P.B. Wickrama – CA 565/08-2011

In the case between Sunil R. de Silva and P.D.D. Karunanayake (petitioners) and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority with associated officials (respondents), the court addressed whether the land acquisition for the Hambantota International Harbour/Port complied with the mandatory procedures under the Land Acquisition Act and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Act. The central issue was the validity of the acquisition order under section 38(a) of the Land Acquisition Act, considering whether statutory requirements, including notifications and compensation, were properly met. It was held that the acquisition followed prescribed legal procedures, and the respondents’ actions—motivated by public interest and national significance—were supported by both statutory compliance and documented efforts to offer