W. A. R. Don Dharmawardena vs D. M. Nalinasekara and others – CA WRIT 406/2016-2025

This case involves an appeal concerning a dispute over a roadway on a property named ‘Madolaovita’. The petitioner asserted ownership and the creation of the roadway in 2006, permitting its use as a footpath. The respondents contended that the roadway had been used for agricultural activities since 1951. The dispute escalated following the petitioner’s replacement of barbed wire in 2008, leading to complaints of obstruction. The Agrarian Development Commissioner had previously ruled against the petitioner. The Court of Appeal dismissed the petitioner’s writ application, citing the non-disclosure of a pending District Court case and considering the Commissioner’s order and other relevant documents, deeming the Commissioner’s order provisional pending a District Court decision. The Supreme C