In this 2024 judgment of an appeal to the Supreme Court (K. G. Keerthi Karangoda et al. vs. National Gem and Jewellery Authority et al. – SC MISC 02/2016-2024), Justice Janak De Silva addressed a dispute regarding a gem mining licence for the land “Hiran Kumbura Owita” in Ratnapura. The 9th Respondent had held the licence since 2006, but in 2014 the Appellants challenged this, claiming an undivided ownership share.