Gunasekara vs. Minister of Lands et al. – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO: 441/2020-2021

In the case between W. Palitha De Zoysa Gunasekara (Petitioner) and the Hon. Minister of Lands, Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Secretary, State Ministry of Postal Services and Professional Development of Journalists, Postmaster General, Divisional Secretary, Hikkaduwa, and named private parties (Respondents), the Court addressed whether the Petitioner had legal standing to challenge the State’s request for possession of land previously acquired under the Land Acquisition Act and whether the communications in question constituted reviewable administrative decisions. It was held that no right of standing existed for the Petitioner as the gift deed was executed during a prohibited period, rendering it void under the Act, and that the impugned letters did not amount to reviewable decisions. All