Kuruppu Appuhamilage Elizabeth Kumarihamy vs R.M.R.S. Thilakarathne and others – CA WRIT/212/2021-2022

In the case between Kuruppu Appuhamilage Elizabeth Kumarihamy (Petitioner) and respondents including R.M.R.S. Thilakarathne (Divisional Secretary) and Wanninayake Mudiyanselage Ranbanda Shanthasiri (4th Respondent), the court addressed the issue of rightful succession under the Land Development Ordinance following the death of a permit holder. It was held that the succession rights to the disputed land devolved in accordance with Section 48A of the Land Development Ordinance and relevant rules, confirming that, where a grant is issued pursuant to valid nomination, the nominated successor (here, the eldest son of the grantee) is entitled to the property. The decision reaffirmed the principle that statutory nomination and succession protocols must be strictly followed, irrespective of subseq