Muktar And Others v. Rathnasiri, Divisional Secretary, Acquiring Officer – sllr 2009 volume 1 page 232

In the case between Muktar and Others (Plaintiff) and Rathnasiri, Divisional Secretary, Acquiring Officer (Defendant), the court addressed the issue of determining the appropriate date for computing the quantum of compensation for land acquired under compulsory acquisition. It was held that compensation is to be computed based on the market value of the land as of the date of commencement of Act No. 15 of 1968, and not on the later date of publication under Section 7 of the Land Acquisition Act. The court reaffirmed the principle that compensation in compulsory acquisition must adhere strictly to statutory direction regarding the relevant date unless clear evidence supports deviation. This decision relied on a detailed interpretation of Section 4(2) of the Colombo District (Low Lying Areas