Wijeratne (Commissioner of Motor Traffic) vs. Ven. Dr. Paragoda Wimalawansa Thero and 4 Others – sllr 2011 volume 2 page 258

In the case between Rev. Dambara Amila Thero and Wijeratne (Commissioner of Motor Traffic), the court addressed the issue of whether a Buddhist priest (bhikku) is entitled to a driving licence under the Motor Traffic Act, and whether the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs is a necessary party in a writ application challenging the refusal of such a licence. The court held that the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs was not a necessary party, and that the statutory framework did not confer broader powers or authority to intervene in all Buddhist affairs. It was determined that the constitutional provision in Article 9 does not extend the powers of the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs beyond those specifically provided by statute. The appeal was dismissed, affirming the lower court’s decision, an