V. Upul Nishantha vs. Prof. Rohan Fernando & Others – CA WRIT/379/17-2022

In the case between V. Upul Nishantha, Secretary of the Sisila Farmers Organization (Petitioner), and Prof. Rohan Fernando (Director-General, Geological Survey and Mines Bureau), Central Environmental Authority, Prof. Lal Mervin Dharmasiri (Chairman, Central Environmental Authority), and other officials and individuals (Respondents), the court addressed the legality of mining activities by the 6th–13th Respondents and the performance of statutory duties by relevant authorities. The court held that the Respondents possessed valid permits during the relevant periods and that the Petitioner failed to substantiate any alleged illegal acts or specific breaches of licensing conditions. The principle reaffirmed was that a petitioner must demonstrate procedural compliance, proper party joinder, an