Imihamilage Somaratne, Chairman, Dumbara Himikam Surekeeme Subha sadhaka Sanvidhanaya and five others vs. Ven. Handapangoda Mahinda Thero Viharadhipathi and Trustee of the Kiriella Nadun Raja Maha Viharaya – NO. 294/2015-2018

In the case between Ven. Handapangoda Mahinda Thero (Petitioner-Respondent) and Hon. M K D S Gunawardhana, Minister of Lands, and others (Respondents), the court examined the permissibility of third party intervention in writ applications for prerogative remedies under Article 140 of the Sri Lankan Constitution and the Court of Appeal (Appellate Procedure) Rules 1990. The Intervenient-Petitioners sought to intervene, which was challenged based on prior Court of Appeal authority. It was determined that such intervention is not contemplated by the applicable Rules or prior precedent, specifically referencing Weerakoon and another v. Bandaragama Pradeshiya Sabhawa, and further underscoring the obligation of petitioners to ensure all necessary parties are joined from the outset. The applicatio