Supreme Court suspends gazette on Northern Province land

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda

The Supreme Court yesterday issued an interim order suspending the operation of the Gazette notification issued in respect of 5,941 acres of land in the Northern Province.

The government had issued a gazette notification bearing the No. 2430 on March 28, 2025, that stated that lands in the districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, and Mullaitivu will be claimed as State land if the owners of such lands do not claim them before June 28, 2025.

Former Parliamentarian M. A. Sumanthiran filed this Fundamental Rights application challenging the Gazette.

The Supreme Court three-judge bench comprised Justices Yasantha Kodagoda, Sampath Abeykoon and Sampath Wijeratne.

The petitioner stated that he became aware of the grave and far-reaching consequences that are likely to arise for the residents and rightful occupants of the lands referenced in the gazette. The petitioner stated that the enforcement of the said gazette would result in the deprivation of land and livelihood for numerous individuals and families, particularly in the Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Mannar Districts of the Northern Province, many of whom have been historically displaced and remain without formal documentation due to circumstances beyond their control.

The total extent of the lands specified in the seven schedules amounted to 5,941 acres. Of these, 3,669 acres were in Jaffna District, and 1,703 acres were in Mullaitivu District. Kilinochchi District came next with 515 acres. Mannar District came last with 54 acres.

Dr K. Kanag Isvaran PC, with Viran Corea PC appeared for the petitioner.