R. Jinadasa and D.M.Karunawathie vs A.M.Samarasiri Kulasekera and A.M.Sisil Chandrasiri Kulsekera – CA NO.687/98 F -2013

In the case between substituted plaintiffs A.M. Samarasiri Kulasekera and A.M. Sisil Chandrasiri Kulsekera and defendant-appellants R. Jinadasa and D.M. Karunawathie, the court addressed the validity of a State land permit in light of alleged non-payment of annual fees, and the legality of substituting plaintiffs following the original plaintiff’s death. It was held that non-payment of fees did not invalidate the permit when such payment was prevented by State action, reaffirming the principle that permit cancellation is not automatic and must comply with the procedural safeguards under the Land Development Ordinance. The court also upheld the procedural propriety of plaintiff substitution, preserving the parties’ appeal rights and maintaining due process. This decision relied on Section 1