Laksith and Another vs. Chairman, School Committee, Dharmasoka Vidyalaya, Ambalangoda and Others – sllr 2009 volume 2 page 267

In the case between Laksith and Another (petitioners) and the Chairman, School Committee, Dharmashoka Vidyalaya, Ambalangoda and others (respondents), the court addressed the legality of the non-admission of the petitioner’s child to Grade 1 based on the application of Circular No. 2007/16 (P2) governing school admissions. The court held that the failure to award marks for residence in the feeder area, and the Appeal Board’s reliance on extraneous and unauthorized factors such as site inspections, rendered the administrative decision irrational and ultra vires. The holding reaffirms the principle that administrative bodies must act strictly within the scope of the rules and established evidence, emphasizing that eligibility under the relevant circular should be determined by genuine reside