Madampage Nanda Wijeratne Silva vs. Marshal of the Airforce Roshan Goonetileke & others – CA WRIT/649/2021-2022

In the case between Madampage Nanda Wijeratne Silva (Chairman, Katana Pradeshiya Sabha) and Marshal of the Airforce Roshan Goonetileke (Governor – Western Province) with other local government officials, the court addressed whether the Chairman could deem a budget adopted—and thus avoid statutory resignation—when the Council voted against the budget, despite all proposed amendments being accepted. It was held that, under section 169 of the Pradeshiya Sabhas Act No. 15 of 1987 (as amended), after the first two years of the Council’s term, a majority vote is required to adopt the budget; failure to achieve a majority triggers deemed resignation of the Chairman. The decision reaffirmed that procedural and statutory requirements for democratic approval cannot be circumvented by accepting amend