V. I. D. J. Perera vs University of Colombo – SC APPEAL NO. 46/2011-2015

In the case between the University of Colombo Kumaratunge Munidasa Mawatha and V.I.D.J. Perera (and others), the court addressed the issue of whether the respondent’s departure from Sri Lanka on sabbatical leave, absent the disciplinary authority’s concurrence as stipulated under Paragraph 20 — 1 of the Establishment Code, was justified. The court held that the administrative delays and the context of the concluded disciplinary proceedings provided sufficient grounds for the respondent’s actions. It was determined that the Court of Appeal had correctly interpreted the relevant disciplinary rules and properly exercised its jurisdiction in quashing the University Services Appeals Board’s decision. The order to dismiss the appeal and to compel compliance affirmed the principle that administra