Abeysirinarayana Lokuruge Somathilake, et al. vs. Hon. Jeewan Kumaranatunga, et al. – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO.667/2009-2016

In the case between Abeysirinarayana Lokuruge Somathilake and others (Petitioners) and Hon. Jeewan Kumaranatunga (Ministry of Lands and Development) and others (Respondents), the court addressed the issue of whether the acquisition of the petitioners’ paddy land for constructing a school playground was valid under Section 38 of the Land Acquisition Act, and whether the corresponding vesting order should be quashed by writ of certiorari. It was determined that the acquisition satisfied the public purpose and urgency requirements and adhered to statutory procedures, as provided by Section 5 of the Land Acquisition Act. Emphasis was placed on the conclusive nature of a ministerial declaration under this section, which precludes further judicial review except on limited grounds. The holding re