Buddadasa vs. Commissioner of Local Government and Others – sllr 2009 volume 2 page 312

In the case between Buddadasa, the Chairman of Pradeshiya Sabha, Kaduwela (petitioner), and the Commissioner of Local Government and others, the court addressed the issue of whether the chairman could delegate his entire powers or only specific functions under the Pradeshiya Sabhas Act, especially during absence from the country. It was held that such delegation was impermissible, as when the chairman is abroad, only the vice chairman is empowered to act under Section 8(4) of the Act. The principle reaffirmed that statutory provisions allow limited delegation under sections 8(2) and 8(3), but exclude delegation during absence abroad, thus preserving the statutory scheme for continuity in local governance. The court relied on the express terms of the Pradeshiya Sabhas Act, underlining that