Rajakaruna Mudiyanselage Jayawardhena vs. Director General, Mahaweli Authority and others – CA WRIT 0293/2019-2023

In the case between Rajakaruna Mudiyanselage Jayawardhena (and family interests) and the Director General, Mahaweli Authority (with associated state officials), the court addressed the issue of succession rights under the Land Development Ordinance concerning the issuance of permits and grants for paddy lands. It was held that the alteration of the permits and subsequent grants into the name of the widow, following the original nominee’s death, and her nomination of successors, were done in accordance with statutory and documentary requirements. The principle established reiterates that, upon the death of a selected permit holder prior to permit issuance, permits may be lawfully altered to the surviving spouse, who then possesses the right to nominate successors. Reliance was placed on the