Keerthirathne De Alwis vs M.J. Gunasiri – CA/WRIT/242/2022-2023

In the case between Keerthirathne De Alwis (New Mayflower Chinese Restaurant) and M.J. Gunasiri, M. D. M. W. K. Dissanayake, Kapila Kumarasinghe, B. M. S. Bandara, A. M. P. Arampath, and the Hon. Attorney General, the court addressed whether the applicant was entitled to an FL 11 liquor license under Rule 13(b) of Excise Notification No.902 by establishing property ownership or presenting a notarized consent from the property owner. The court determined that reliance on possession of the premises or a prior agreement (document A3) was insufficient to meet the statutory requirements. Adhering to established legal principles, it was held that strict compliance with the licensing conditions is necessary, and the application was ultimately refused without an award of costs. This decision reinf