Green Movement of Sri Lanka vs B.M.U.D.Basnayake – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO: 126/2014-2014

In the case between Green Movement of Sri Lanka (Plaintiff) and B.M.U.D. Basnayake, Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energy, with other government officials (Defendants), the court examined the legality of a government decision permitting the release of forest land for settlement without clear limitation. It was determined that the Plaintiff’s application sought writs of Certiorari, Prohibition, and Mandamus, arguing the decision contravened statutory and regulatory frameworks for environmental protection and public land management. Reliance was placed on the public trust doctrine and relevant statutory instruments, highlighting that such decisions must comply with established environmental governance principles. The impact of the case centers on affirming that state author