Sugathapala Mendis and Another v Chandrika Kumaratunga and Others (Waters Edge Case) – sllr 2008 volume 2 page 339

In the case between Sugathapala Mendis and Another (Plaintiff) and Chandrika Kumaratunga and Others (Defendant), the court addressed the issue of alleged violation of fundamental rights under Article 12(1) of the Constitution, centering on the misuse of executive and administrative power in the acquisition and transfer of state land for private development objectives. It was held that the transaction in question breached the Doctrine of Public Trust and was executed contrary to constitutional obligations, as public land acquired for a public purpose was diverted for private gain through a process marked by procedural irregularities, improper concessions, and neglect of public interest requirements. The court declared the land transfer and associated legal instruments null and void, ordered