Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa vs. D. Nanayakkara, Secretary, Ministry of Sustainable Development and Wild life – CA/WRIT/112/2018-2024

In the case between Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara (the Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa) and various state officials (including representatives of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Wildlife, Ministry of Environment and Wildlife Resources, and others connected with the import permit process and inquiry report P.54), the court addressed whether adverse findings in a committee report—prepared without giving notice or an opportunity to be heard—could lawfully affect the petitioner’s rights and reputation. It was held that such actions constituted a breach of the fundamental rules of natural justice, specifically the audi alteram partem principle. The judgment reaffirmed that even administrative or quasi-judicial inquiries affecting individual rights must comply with proced