Ratnayake Mudiyanselage Gunaratne vs V.U.K. Agalawatta – 406/2011-2013

The case between Ratnayake Mudiyanselage Gunaratne (Petitioner) and V.U.K. Agalawatta, Divisional Secretary, Buttala & others (Respondents) addressed the validity of a nomination appointing the 4th Respondent as sole successor to paddy land, considering the timing of execution and registration of the nomination under Section 60 of the Land Development Ordinance. It was determined that a nomination executed or registered after the death of the original permit holder is void, and subsequent administrative actions based on such invalid nomination are unlawful. Certiorari and prohibition were issued to prevent enforcement of the impugned nomination. The decision reaffirmed that strict compliance with statutory requirements governing nominations under the Land Development Ordinance is critical,