Bharti Airtel Lanka (Private) Limited v. Yamith Chandane Hathurusinghe et al – 833/2010-2012

In the case between Bharti Airtel Lanka (Private) Limited and the respondents, including Yamith Chandane Hathurusinghe (Chairman, Horana Pradeshiya Sabha) and the Horana Pradeshiya Sabha, the court addressed the lawfulness of the temporary suspension of a previously granted approval for the erection of a telecommunications tower. It was held that the suspension, effected due to public concerns over potential health risks, lacked legal foundation and did not constitute adequate grounds for revoking the approval. The court reaffirmed the principle that statutory authorities must act within the scope of their legal powers and cannot be guided by unfounded public fears when exercising statutory duties. Reliance was placed on compliance with relevant regulations and World Health Organization gu