Ranjith Sirilal Wijesuriya Arachchi Vs. K.H.A. Meegasmulla and others – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO. 235/2017-2017

In the case between Ranjith Sirilal Wijesuriya Arachchi (Petitioner) and K.H.A. Meegasmulla (Commissioner General, Department of Excise) and others (Respondents), the court addressed the issue of whether the petitioner was denied a fair hearing in an inquiry related to the refusal of his claim for entitlement to a liquor license. It was held that the petitioner failed to establish entitlement due to lack of credible evidence and undue delay in bringing the application. The principle reaffirmed is that parties seeking administrative remedies must present timely and credible material to establish procedural unfairness and merit in their claims. Reliance was placed on a detailed assessment of affidavits and procedural records, emphasizing that belated or unsubstantiated affidavits are insuffi