A.A. Manuel Perera and two others vs L.H.G. Weerasekera Kahawatte and three others – CA 01/2008/BOR-2022

In the case between A.A. Manuel Perera and others (appellants) and L.H.G. Weerasekera (Divisional Secretariat, Kahawatta) and others (respondents), the court addressed whether, under the Land Acquisition Act, the value of commercially valuable trees (such as teak and mahogany) on acquired land must be included in compensation awarded to landowners. It was held that the Board of Review’s confirmation of compensation, while excluding the value of trees and disregarding procedural requirements—such as notice, participation at inquiry, and consideration of relevant evidence—was unjustified and procedurally improper. The court reaffirmed the principle that natural justice and statutory safeguards must govern all land acquisition processes, emphasizing fair administrative conduct and the right o