Leenas Sebesthiyan Dias v. Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO: 86/2016-2016

In the case between Leenas Sebesthiyan Dias and two others (Petitioners) and Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, and two others (Respondents), the court addressed the issue of whether the withdrawal of a circular (P5) restricting the use of additional boats under existing permits effectively resolved the petitioners’ grievance regarding such restrictions. It was determined that with the 3rd Respondent’s withdrawal of the impugned circular and the assurance by the Deputy Solicitor General that permits would be appropriately amended, the basis for the writ application no longer existed. The holding reaffirmed the principle that when the subject matter of a dispute ceases due to administrative action and the petitioner seeks withdrawal, judicial intervention is