Amarakoon and Others v. University Grants Commission and Others – sllr 2002 volume 3 page 225

The case between Amarakoon and Others (academic support staff) and the University Grants Commission and Others considered whether academic support staff are entitled to an academic allowance as “teachers” under the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. It was determined that academic support staff do not fall within the statutory definition of “teacher,” which is exhaustively defined by the Act and applies only to those engaged in teaching or designated research with appropriate qualifications. The court further found that the writ of mandamus cannot be granted to compel payment of the allowance when such payment is subject to government funding and wage policy, given the absence of a clear statutory duty on the part of the University Grants Commission. The decision relied on statutory interpre