Lakshman Dharmaratne and others vs. W.M.P.K. Weerasekera and others – CA P.H.C. 225/2015-2022

The case between Lakshman Dharmaratne, S.K.G. Ananda Gnanasiri, and others (petitioners) and W.M.P.K. Weerasekera (Co‐operative Development Commissioner and Registrar of Cooperative Societies of the Central Province), along with Udispattuwa Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society Limited (respondents), addressed the issue of whether the petitioners’ challenge against the arbitrator’s appointment and subsequent arbitration proceedings based on alleged violations of natural justice was sustainable. It was held that the petitioners, through their participation without timely objection, effectively consented to the arbitration process, and that no jurisdictional error or breach of natural justice occurred. The principle reaffirmed is that parties who acquiesce to proceedings without protest may be