Hetti Achchige Anton Sujeewa Perera vs Hon. Attorney General – SC APPEAL NO: 101/2012-2023

Whether a lorry used to transport gravel without a valid licence could be forfeited under section 63B(1) of the Mines and Minerals Act. The legal issue centered on the statutory interpretation of the term “equipment,” examining whether a vehicle falls within this definition. It was determined that a purposive interpretation supported by legislative intent, constitutional provisions (Article 27(14)), and prior case law validated the forfeiture order upheld by the High Court, leading to the dismissal of the appeal.

Priyantha Jayawardena PC, J — An extensive analysis was presented detailing the factual background, procedural history, and statutory context. It was determined that the provisions of the Mines and Minerals Act, including sections 28(1), 63(1), 63A, and 63B, were intended to r