H Piyadasa v. Divisional Secretary, Balangoda – CA PHC/160/2010-2017

In the case between H. Piyadasa (Appellant) and the Divisional Secretary, Balangoda, and the Hon. Attorney General (Respondents), the court addressed whether the application to evict H. Piyadasa from state land was duly made by the competent authority under the State Lands (Recovery of Possession) Act. It was determined that the Divisional Secretary qualifies as the competent authority and that the appellant failed to establish any legal right, permit, or authority to occupy the land. The court reaffirmed that under the Act, eviction is warranted when the occupant cannot prove valid tenure, in line with relevant statutory provisions and precedent, particularly Muhandiram v. Chairman, Janatha Estate Development Board. The outcome underscores that the Divisional Secretary may institute such