D.H. Liyanage and Others vs Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka – SC FR APPLICATION NO. 338/2011-2023

In the case between D.H. Liyanage, M. Asarudeen, and I.M. Kaleel (petitioners) and the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka with related government officials (respondents), the court addressed whether repeated assurances by the Mahaweli Authority gave rise to a legitimate expectation that would preclude eviction of the petitioners from state lands. The claim of a legally enforceable expectation—citing both verbal and written assurances—was rejected, as it was established that such assurances were ultra vires and did not confer lawful entitlement. The court concluded that the initiation of eviction proceedings under the State Lands (Recovery of Possession) Act complied with the statutory framework. Nevertheless, in consideration of administrative shortcomings and the petitioners’ circumstances,