Anura Gonapinuwala vs Sathya Hettige et al. – SC FR 413/2013-2017

In the case between Anura Gonapinuwala and Sathya Hettige, S.C. Mannapperuma, among others, the issue addressed was whether the Petitioner’s promotion or appointment to Grade III of the Sri Lanka Engineering Service could be backdated to a prior date and whether the New Service Minute (No. 1836/6, dated 11th November 2013) was invalid. It was determined that the Petitioner did not satisfy the requisite service experience at the time of the relevant interview, as the backdating of his promotion occurred afterward. It was further established that the Court could not substitute its decision for that of the interview panel or nullify the New Service Minute since the Petitioner applied under its terms, which constituted acquiescence. The findings reaffirmed the principle that courts will not in