M. M. Chandana Deshapriya Perera et al. vs V. N. Jayasooriya et al. – CA WRIT 59/2020-2023

In the case between M. M. Chandana Deshapriya Perera (with 320 others) and V. N. Jayasooriya, Chairman of Gampaha District Thrift and Credit Cooperative Societies Union Ltd., the court considered whether to issue notice under writ applications for Mandamus and Prohibition pursuant to Article 140 of the Constitution. The matter concerned allegations of misappropriation within the cooperative society, the existence and scope of public duties by respondents, and challenges to the specificity and statutory basis of reliefs sought. The court granted an interim stay on the disposal of assets and overruled preliminary objections, affirming that Mandamus could issue where a clear statutory public duty existed. The decision addressed both statutory interpretation and evolving principles of administ