Lanka Jathika Estate Workers Union vs Pradeshiya Lekam, Walapane – CA PHC 147/2002-2013

In the case between Lanka Jathika Estate Workers Union and Pradeshiya Lekam, Walapane, the court addressed the issue of entitlement to possession or occupation of state land under the State Lands (Recovery of Possession) Act. It was held that only a person in possession of state land by virtue of a valid permit or written authority could challenge an ejectment order under the Act, and that defenses outside the scope provided by the statute, such as dependency or alternative procedural objections, are not recognized. The principle was reaffirmed that the right to contest possession actions regarding state land is strictly limited to actual holders of valid authority. Reliance was placed on statutory interpretation and relevant precedent to establish that revisionary jurisdiction could not b