Centre for Policy Alternatives (Guarantee) Limited vs. Hon. Attorney General et al. – SC FR 449/2019-2024

The case between Centre for Policy Alternatives (Guarantee) Limited and Dr. Paikiasothy Saravananmuttu versus a group of state actors including the Attorney General and former President Maithripala Sirisena addressed the legality of a Cabinet decision granting a continued use of the former President’s official residence as a retirement benefit under the Presidents Entitlements Act No. 4 of 1986. The analysis focused on the decision being made while the former President was still in office, thereby breaching principles of natural justice particularly nemo judex in causa sua, as well as constituting an arbitrary and ultra vires exercise of discretionary powers in violation of constitutional equality provisions. The ruling emphasized the improper use of State resources for personal gain and q