Ajith Priyantha Hettiarachchi vs N. P. Panditharathne – CA 216/2009-2013

In the case between Ajith Priyantha Hettiarachchi and N.P. Panditharathne (Divisional Secretary, Thamankaduwa) and others, the court addressed whether the petitioner was entitled to a permit or a writ of Mandamus to compel the issuance of a State land permit under the Land Development Ordinance, and whether the administrative decision to divide the land was amenable to judicial review by way of prerogative writs (Certiorari, Prohibition, Mandamus). It was held that the administrative decision to divide the land between the petitioner and the 4th Respondent was reached equitably and in accordance with legal standards. The principle reaffirmed is that equitable claims or expectations regarding State land do not amount to enforceable legal rights unless supported by statutory or public law du