Kelani Valley Plantation PLC v. Nimal G. Punchihewa et al. – CA 70/2015-2017

In the case between Kelani Valley Plantation PLC (Plaintiff) and Nimal G. Punchihewa, Chairman, Land Reform Commission (Defendant/Respondent), the Court addressed whether the Land Reform Commission (LRC) possessed the legal authority to issue a Notice to Quit to Kelani Valley Plantation PLC regarding the “Pedro Estate,” specifically the “Scrubs Division.” The central issues included the lawful ownership and control of the estate and the validity of the lease and subsequent notice. It was held that, pursuant to Gazette no. 815/10 and a formal lease agreement executed by the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation (SLSPC), control and leasehold rights over the estate were vested in SLSPC and, through it, to the petitioner. Accordingly, the LRC lacked authority to bypass SLSPC and proceed dire