Pahathamulla Purana Rajamaha Viharastha Karya Sadhaka Samithiya vs Dr. Nevil Gunawardena – CA APPLICATION NO. 229/2012-2014

In the case between Pahathamulla Purana Rajamaha Viharastha Karya Sadhaka Samithiya and Dr. Nevil Gunawardena (Director General of Customs) and others, the court addressed the issue of a writ application filed by the petitioner against customs officials and the Attorney General. The matter arose when the petitioner sought relief but subsequently, at the scheduled hearing, the petitioner requested leave to withdraw the application. It was held that the application should be dismissed upon withdrawal, with no order as to costs. This outcome reaffirmed the principle that a party retains the right to withdraw its application prior to adjudication, and emphasized judicial discretion in determining costs in such circumstances.

Anil Goonerathne J. — Upon the case being scheduled for argument an