Wickramasinghe Vs Nethasinghe – sllr 2005 volume 1 page 097

In the case between Surath Wickremasinghe Associates (Petitioner) and the 1st Respondent (employee) and the 2nd Respondent (Commissioner General of Labour), the court addressed the issue of whether the Commissioner General of Labour possesses the authority under Sections 5, 6, and 6A(1) of the Termination of Employment of Workmen (Special Provisions) Act to award compensation in lieu of ordering reinstatement. It was held that the statutory authority granted by Section 6 is limited to ordering reinstatement of the employee with payment of wages and other benefits, and does not extend to the awarding of compensation unless in cases of closure of business, as described in Section 6A(1). The court reaffirmed the principle that administrative authorities must act within the precise scope of po