Galabada Gamage Sunethra Arambawela and Nihinsa Senuli Arambawela vs. Mrs. Dhammika C.A. Jayanetti et al. – SC FR. NO. 37/2013-2013

In the case between Galabada Gamage Sunethra Arambawela and Nihinsa Senuli Arambawela (Petitioners) and Mrs. Dhammika C.A. Jayanetti, Mr. S.M. Gotabaya Jayaratne, Hon. Bandula Gunawardhana (M.P.), the Interview Board (on admissions to Grade 1, 2013), and others (Respondents), the court addressed claims of fundamental rights infringement under Article 12(1) of the Constitution. It was determined that acts by the Respondents in refusing admission of the 2nd Petitioner to Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya were arbitrary and discriminatory, focusing particularly on allegations regarding the Petitioners’ permanent residence and the process for setting aside awarded interview marks. The judgment reaffirmed the principle that state actions affecting educational admissions must be grounded on credib