Dehigaspage Karunawathie vs Nirosha S. Gamage, Divisional Secretary, Athuraliya and others – CA WRT/0681/23-2025

The case between Dehigaspage Karunawathie vs Nirosha S. Gamage, Divisional Secretary, Athuraliya and others addressed the application of succession rules under the Land Development Ordinance (LDO), as amended by Act No. 11 of 2022, following the death of the original permit-holder, Vidana Pathiranage Gimarahamy. The principal issue considered was whether the amendments to the Third Schedule of the LDO applied retrospectively or prospectively in determining the lawful successor and whether the petitioner possessed locus standi to challenge the decision of the Divisional Secretary. The holding determined that succession under the LDO is governed by specific statutory provisions and is distinct from general inheritance laws, with the Divisional Secretary’s discretion and adherence to statutor