Ranil de Silva v. Director-General, Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Department – CA/WRIT/155/2014-2014

In the case between Ranil de Silva (Petitioner) and the Director-General, Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Department and others (Respondents), the court addressed the legality of a permit (P-23) issued for development in a coastal zone governed by the Coast Conservation Act and the Coastal Zone Management Plan of 1997 (CZMP). The central issue was whether the permit allowing construction of a commercial Ayurvedic spa in a restricted coastal area was granted lawfully, particularly with regard to setback exemptions and the statutory scheme restricting such developments. The court determined that the permit was issued without sufficient legal justification or explanation from responsible public officials, finding no evidence of adherence to the statutory standards for setba