Vavuniya Solar Power (Private) Limited vs Ceylon Electricity Board et al. – SC FR/172/2017-2023

The case between Vavuniya Solar Power (Private) Limited and Ceylon Electricity Board involved the denial of a necessary Letter of Intent and permit for a solar power plant project. It was determined that the administrative bodies, by refusing to issue the approvals required under the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority Act and the Sri Lanka Electricity Act, had frustrated a substantive legitimate expectation. The findings established that the Petitioner’s constitutional rights to equality and freedom to engage in lawful occupation were violated, leading to orders for the immediate issuance of the Letter of Intent, grant of the permit, and payment of damages.

Yasantha Kodagoda, P.C., J. — It was determined that the Petitioner’s compliance with statutory, regulatory, and guideline r