SC annuls housing allocation

Wasantha Ramanayake

The Supreme Court yesterday annulled the decision to alienate 500 houses in Norochcholai, Deegawapiya since they were not duly made in terms of applicable laws.

The Court ordered the respondents to duly allocate the houses in terms of applicable laws and ordered the State to pay the petitioners a sum of Rs. 150,000 as compensation.

Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva PC delivering the judgment with rest of the Bench agreeing allowed the rights application filed by seven petitioners including Rev. Ellawala Medhanandha Thera and Chief Incumbent Nannapurawe Buddha Rakkitha Thera of Deegavaipiya Viharaya and observed that the rights of petitioners had been violated by the respondents decision to alienate 500 houses constructed by the government exclusively among the Muslim community, excluding the Sinhalese and the Tamils.

The Chief Justice noted that the recipients who were part to the application had not mentioned the procedure followed in getting the houses and the circular produced by the respondents in that connection also would not be acceptable.

President's Counsel Manohara de Silva with W.D. Weerarathne, Arinda Wijesurendra and Bandara Thalagune appeared for the petitioners.

Deputy Solicitor General Bimba Thilakaratne appeared for the respondents.