Suranganie Marapana v. The Bank of Ceylon and Others – sllr 1997 volume 3 page 156

Brief
In the case between Suranganie Marapana and the Bank of Ceylon (including its Board of Directors), the court examined whether the Board’s refusal to extend Marapana’s service—despite her unblemished record and a favorable departmental recommendation—amounted to arbitrary, capricious, discriminatory, or unreasonable conduct, thereby violating constitutional equality under Article 12(1). It was held that the Board’s denial without adequate justification breached the principles of natural justice and administrative fairness, and constituted unconstitutional discrimination. The decision reinforced the principle that administrative bodies are obligated to act fairly, provide reasons for decisions affecting rights, and adhere to established procedures. Reliance was placed on established pr