M. G. Padmaseeli & Others vs. Sri Lanka Transport Board & Others – 466/2015-2018

In the case between M. G. Padmaseeli and others (Petitioners) and the Sri Lanka Transport Board and others (Respondents), the court addressed whether the failure to convert the petitioners’ contractual employment into permanent appointments constituted a violation of fundamental rights under Article 12(1) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka. The court determined that, although the petitioners were entitled to be absorbed into permanent cadre as indicated in prior Board decisions and existing approved cadre lists, the Board unreasonably and arbitrarily failed to implement such appointments after the expiration of their contracts. It was held that this conduct violated the petitioners’ right to equality and non-discrimination. The court ordered the Sri Lanka Transport Board to recruit the petit