Sarath Dharma Siri Bandara vs. Sarath Ekanayake, Chief Minister and the Minister in Charge of the Local Authorities-Central Province, et al. – SC APPEAL NO. 85/2011-2014

In the case between Sarath Dharma Siri Bandara (Petitioner) and Sarath Ekanayake (Chief Minister and Minister in Charge of the Local Authorities–Central Province), Pradeshiya Sabha Pathahewaheta, among others (Respondents), the Supreme Court addressed whether Section 185(2) of the Pradeshiya Sabha Act required an Inquiring Officer to conclude an inquiry within three months and whether the Minister acted ultra vires in accepting a report submitted after the expiration of that period. It was held that the three‑month period is not a mandatory but a directory provision, and that the grant of extensions and consideration of the report were not ultra vires or illegal. The Court set aside the Court of Appeal’s decision, thereby upholding the Minister’s order and awarding costs to the appellant.