Dr. Darshana Wickramasinghe vs University of Ruhuna and Others – SC APPEAL NO.111/2010-2010

In the case between Dr. Darshana Wickramasinghe (Petitioner-Respondent) and the University of Ruhuna and several senior university officials (Respondents-Appellants), the court addressed the procedural validity of disciplinary proceedings conducted by the University against a university lecturer. The primary issue centered on whether the disciplinary action, including the issuance and approval of a Charge Sheet, complied with statutory requirements mandating that the University Council, as the designated Disciplinary Authority for teachers, must authorize the charges prior to their issuance. The findings established that such Council approval had not been obtained, rendering the disciplinary proceedings and resulting termination ultra vires and procedurally flawed. The principle reaffirmed