Godakumbura & Jayatissa v. Anuradhapura Municipal Council – 242/2014-2018

In the case of Kanthi Podimenike Godakumbura and Kumarasinghe Jayathilake Mudiyanselage Jayatissa versus the Anuradhapura Municipal Council and others, the court addressed the entitlement of Petitioners to writs of mandamus compelling Respondents to remove unauthorized obstructions and demarcate a proposed roadway at Vimukthi Mawatha, and to hold a Land Kachcheri under Section 20 of the Land Development Ordinance. It was determined that the absence of necessary parties—namely, other affected residents—prevented comprehensive adjudication, and that the Petitioners lacked a clear legal right to the relief sought due to their lack of lawful title or permits over the land in question. The decision reaffirmed the principle that standing and joinder of necessary parties are prerequisites for pub