Kelani Valley Plantation PLC v. Janatha Estate Development Board et al. – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO. 657/2011-2016

The case between Kelani Valley Plantation PLC (petitioner) and the Janatha Estate Development Board, Sri Lanka State Plantations Corporation, Land Reform Commission, and the Attorney General (respondents) addressed the legal authority of the Land Reform Commission to issue permits, execute deeds, or interfere with lands vested by ministerial order in State plantation entities and subsequently leased to the petitioner. It was held that the third respondent no longer retained legal rights or authority over the lands following the vesting orders and that the leases in favor of the petitioner were valid and properly substantiated by documentary evidence. The principle reaffirmed is that administrative bodies cannot exercise rights or powers not vested by law, particularly after a lawful vestin