Wickrama Arachchige Dona Leelawathie vs. Divisional Secretary et al. – WRIT/11/2019-2021

In the case between Wickrama Arachchige Dona Leelawathie (Petitioner) and the Divisional Secretary, Kaduwela, Commissioner General of Lands, Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Hon. Minister of Lands, and Wickrama Arachchige Dona Sumanawathie (Respondents), the court addressed the validity of a state land grant under the Land Development Ordinance. The central issues considered were whether proper procedures had been followed in granting land to the 5th Respondent, whether the legal requirements for succession and inquiry under the Ordinance were satisfied, and whether procedural objections such as laches or res judicata barred relief. It was determined that the grant to the 5th Respondent was issued in violation of statutory procedures and principles of natural justice, rendering it void ab ini