Anura Kumara Dissanayake vs. Hon. Upali Abeyrathne et al. – CA WRIT 174/21-2024
In the case between Anura Kumara Dissanayake (Petitioner) and members of a presidential commission of inquiry, the Attorney General, and various state officials (Respondents), the court addressed whether the commission of inquiry possessed legal authority to investigate and make binding recommendations on complaints brought by private individuals. It was held that the commission of inquiry acted ultra vires and breached principles of natural justice by conducting inquiries and issuing findings beyond its statutory mandate, particularly affecting the Petitioner’s rights. The decision emphasized that such commissions must strictly comply with their legal remit and procedural fairness, relying on statutory interpretation and established principles of administrative law. The orders of writs of
