T. G. Kularatne Vs. W. S. Senathissa and others – CA Writ 36/25-2025

In the matter of Petitioner T. G. Kularatne and W. S. Senathissa (Divisional Secretary), Commissioner General of Excise, C. P. A. Premarathna, R. P. P. Rajapaksa, T. N. Senarath, H. A. N. Pathirathna, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Planning and Digital Economy, and Hon. Attorney General, the court addressed the issue of the validity of granting a Toddy Privilege to the 3rd Respondent, allegations of tender condition violations, and the applicability of a 500m distance rule from religious sites to Toddy Taverns. The court held that the Petitioner’s application for Writs of Certiorari and Mandamus was dismissed, reaffirming the principle that specific statutory provisions or circulars override estoppel arguments and emphasizing the duty of utmost good faith and timely action in seeking