Pillegedara Punchirala v. Ol.N.G. Panditharatne et al. – CA PHC 43/2008-2016

In Pillegedara Punchirala v. N.G. Panditharatne and others, the court considered whether the transfer of state land by administrative authorities, following the death of the original permit holder Ukkubanda, contravened Section 72 of the Land Development Ordinance due to the absence of a lawful nomination of successor. The court determined that valid documentary evidence established a nomination in favour of the 3rd Respondent in 1953, rendering further inquiry under Section 72 unnecessary. The Appellant’s claim to set aside the administrative decision and seek a new inquiry was dismissed, reaffirming that a valid nomination of successor, properly documented, removes the need for succession procedures under the Ordinance. This outcome was guided by the statutory requirements of the Land De