Douglas Gajanayake vs. Divisional Secretary, Dehiattakandiya – CA WRIT 814/23-2024

Brief
In the case between the Petitioners, who are committee members of the Nawa Medagama Water Consumers Welfare Society, and the Respondents including the Divisional Secretary of Dehiattakandiya, Ven. Makuruppe Pannasekara Thero, and Sunil Kapukotuwa, the court addressed the lawfulness of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Society and the clarity of the relief claimed relating to alleged mismanagement. It was held that the Petitioners failed to establish a clear legal or factual basis for the relief sought under Writs of Certiorari and Mandamus, due to contradictory pleadings and lack of concrete evidence such as membership records or minutes. The principle that a petitioner must clearly establish locus standi and provide sufficiently precise grounds for relief was reaffirmed. This