Weerawarna Kurukulasooriya and Mohottige Anil vs National Gem and Jewellery Authority and Viraj De Silva – CA WRIT/541/2023-2024

In the case between Petitioners Weerawarna Kurukulasooriya and others and the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, Viraj De Silva, and others, the court addressed the issue of whether land subject to a gemming license application was part of a co-owned estate or constituted a distinct property interest, and whether the requisite statutory and administrative procedures governing such licenses were observed. It was held that the licensing process failed to comply with legal requirements under the Regulations 2020 and the Land Reform Law, particularly regarding proof of ownership, co-owner consent, and adequate assessment of title. The principle affirmed is that the grant of a gemming license necessitates strict adherence to statutory mandates, including evidence of title and proper administ