Nekath Ralalage Karunaratne v. National Gem and Jewellery Authority et al. – CA WRIT 07/2017-2017

In the case between Nekath Ralalage Karunaratne (petitioner) and the National Gem and Jewellery Authority along with several officials (respondents), the court addressed the issue of whether the Secretary to the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment lawfully granted a gemming license to the 5th respondent, Dasanayake Mudiyanselage Chandrapala, despite objections and disputed title claims by the petitioner regarding the property known as Owilane Meda Kella. It was held that the Secretary’s decision to grant the license, after considering the parties’ claims, was lawful, as the petitioner failed to establish a clear and superior title or occupation, whereas evidence demonstrated the 5th respondent’s longstanding occupation and payment of taxes for the property. The principle reaff