Prof. Dharmaratne and Others vs. Institute of Fundamental Studies and Others – sllr 2013 volume 1 page 367

In the case between former academic staff of the Institute of Fundamental Studies, including a group of scientists (Plaintiffs), and the Institute of Fundamental Studies alongside associated parties (Defendants), the core legal issue centered on whether the Institute of Fundamental Studies is an agency exercising executive or administrative functions under Article 126 of the Constitution. It was held that, in view of significant state control, including statutory provisions that empower government appointees on the Board of Governors and detailed financial and administrative oversight, the Institute qualifies as an instrumentality or agency of the State. As such, its acts—particularly concerning conditions of service and tenure of its academic staff—are subject to judicial review under Art