H.M. Bandaranayake vs Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka – CA WRIT 114/2018-2024

In the case between H. M. Bandaranayake (on behalf of the substituted petitioners) and the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka with its designated officials, the court addressed the issue of whether the registration of a nomination under the Land Development Ordinance was valid, particularly in relation to Sections 48A and 75 and the associated burden of proof. The application challenged the respondents’ administrative decision, alleging defects in the nomination process and insufficient relationship between the permit-holder and the nominee. It was held that the petitioners had failed to discharge the requisite burden of establishing their case, notably with regard to parentage and compliance with legal requirements. Reliance was placed on the operative statutory provisions, reaffirming the p