Sangadasa Silva v. Anuruddha Ratwatte and Others – sllr 1998 volume 1 page 350

In the case between Sangadasa Silva (plaintiff) and Anuruddha Ratwatte, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (2nd respondent), and others (defendants), the court addressed whether the termination of the petitioner’s petroleum dealership by the 2nd respondent constituted an arbitrary, capricious, and politically motivated administrative action violating fundamental rights under Articles 12(1) and 12(2) of the Constitution. It was held that the dealership termination was effected without substantiation by proper board documentation, including Board Paper, resolution, or minutes, thus creating an adverse presumption against the respondent. The findings established that the termination was executed without notice or clear evidence of wrongdoing, and was politically influenced and discriminatory. The p