Mestiyage Don Anura Jayantha Gunatilake v. The Monetary Board of Sri Lanka et al. – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO. 233/2015-2015

In the case between Mestiyage Don Anura Jayantha Gunatilake (Petitioner) and the Monetary Board of Sri Lanka and others (Respondents), the issue concerned whether the relief in prayer ‘D’ of the petition should be granted, specifically regarding the release and lawful disposal of 182 gold slabs seized and forfeited under the customs law. The court held that the relief prayed for in prayer ‘D’ was to be granted, with the remaining relief being withdrawn. The principle reaffirmed was that, where the relevant authorities consent to the requested relief and the petitioner discontinues other claims, the court may grant a writ directing the release and lawful process for disposal of the goods under the Customs Ordinance. The decision was made in reliance on the absence of objection by the Respon