Henry Nelson Rathnayake vs Umesha Matarage, , Divisional Secretary, Thihagoda and others – CA WRT 0391/21-2025

In the case between Henry Nelson Rathnayake and Umesha Matarage (Divisional Secretariat), Dumingu Hewage Udayangani Sandamali, S.M. Chandrasena (Minister of Lands), the Land Secretariat, Ministry of Lands, and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, the court addressed the issue of whether writs of certiorari and mandamus should issue to compel the proper computation and award of compensation under Sections 9, 10, and 17 of the Land Acquisition Act. The court held that, following the issuance and publication of the Section 17 award after initiation of proceedings, the application was rendered futile, and dismissed the petition accordingly. The principle reaffirmed was that writ jurisdiction will not be exercised in circumstances where the requested relief would be of no practical utility. This decis