Sirisena Hettiarachchi vs Divisional Secretary, Niyagama and others – CA WRT 0548/25-2025

The case between Sirisena Hettiarachchi and the Divisional Secretary of Niyagama, the Director, Department of Agrarian Services, and the Attorney General of Sri Lanka addressed the issue of whether the petitioner’s challenge to a Quit Notice and related eviction proceedings was legally tenable. It was held that the application for writs of certiorari and mandamus was futile, as it sought to set aside preliminary steps rather than the eviction order itself, which remained undisturbed. The principle reaffirmed is that judicial relief by writ will not be granted where the remedy would have no practical effect, especially where facts are in dispute and the challenged order is already in effect. This decision relied on relevant statutes governing land acquisition and eviction, as well as settle