Yagdehigedara Ranjith Rathnayake vs Debt Conciliation Board, Vellangollawatta, Yanthampalawa, Kurunegala – CA WRIT 134/2023-2024

In the case between Yagdehigedara Ranjith Rathnayake (Petitioner) and the Debt Conciliation Board (including its Chairman, a Member, and other respondents), the court addressed the legality of the Debt Conciliation Board’s judgment dated 17.02.2023. The court held that the Board’s decision was supported by the record and reasoning, determining that the petitioner’s claims of ultra vires action and disregard of evidence were unfounded. It was further established that the petitioner failed to exhaust the alternative remedy provided under Section 54 of the Debt Conciliation Board Ordinance, which precluded recourse to writ jurisdiction. The decision reaffirmed the principle that alternative remedies must be pursued before seeking writ relief, highlighting both procedural and substantive requi