S.K. Thotagamuwage vs Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority – CA 293/2013-2014

In the case between S.K. Thotagamuwage (Petitioner) and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Dr. D.S. Jayaweera, and the Hon. Attorney General (Respondents), the court considered whether a Writ of Certiorari should issue to quash the decision of the Petitioner’s interdiction due to allegations of misappropriation of funds. The Court held that interim relief, including a stay of interdiction, was not warranted at the preliminary stage, given the seriousness of the allegations and balancing the convenience between parties. The principle established was that interim relief is discretionary and must be assessed against the potential prejudice to respondents and the requirement for full pleadings before substantive review. The decision relied on legal principles concerning the balance of co