R. M. P. Surekha Indumathi & Others vs. S. M. Chandrasena & Others – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO: 527/2021-2023

In the case between several applicants engaged in the exploration and mining of rocks on state lands (including Prasanna Udawatta and others) and state authorities such as the Minister of Lands and the Commissioner General of Land, the court addressed the legality of fees and royalties imposed for mineral extraction on state land. The primary issue concerned whether the collection of both fees under the Forest Regulations (notably Gazette Extraordinary No. 2216/34 and Circular P16) and royalties under the Mines and Minerals Act constituted unlawful double jeopardy and whether the regulatory framework remained valid following the repeal of Section 20 of the Forest Ordinance. It was held that the levies in question derived from independent legal sources, with fees for land use and royalties