Ven. Ellawala Medananda Thero v. District Secretary, Ampara And Others – sllr 2009 volume 1 page 054

In the case between Ven. Ellawala Medananda Thero (and associated Buddhist organizations) and the District Secretary, Ampara and others, the court addressed the issue of alleged infringement of fundamental rights under Articles 10, 12(1), and 12(2) of the Constitution, arising from the administrative alienation of State land near Deeghavapi Raja Maha Viharaya to approximately 500 Muslim families. It was held that the alienation was conducted arbitrarily, in breach of legal and constitutional safeguards including the 13th Amendment and the Land Development Ordinance. The principle reaffirmed is that alienation of State land must adhere strictly to statutory processes, ensuring non-discrimination and adherence to the Rule of Law. The decision relied on constitutional provisions and the doctr