Konara Mudiyanselage Sudu Banda Kesel Kotuwa v. Simon Fernando Gamini Harischandra et al – CA WRT/0001/2019-2019

In the case between Konara Mudiyanselage Sudu Banda (represented by Power of Attorney holder Konara Mudiyanselage Gnanaratne) and 1) Simon Fernando Gamini Harischandra, among others, the court examined the legality of a land grant (X1) issued to the 1st Respondent in 1997, despite the petitioner’s claimed possession and alleged entitlement to the State land since 1970. The core issue involved whether the petitioner’s significant delay of approximately 22 years in seeking judicial relief via Writs of Certiorari and Mandamus constituted an unreasonable delay under the doctrine of laches, thereby barring the relief sought. It was determined that the unexplained delay precluded the application of equitable remedies, with the court emphasizing established precedent and the need for diligence in