Sriyanee Dhammika Kumari Semasinghe v. Public Service Commission et al. – SC FR/APPLICATION NO. 83/2018-2021

In the case between Sriyanee Dhammika Kumari Semasinghe (Plaintiff) and the Public Service Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Attorney General, and associated public officials (Respondents), the Supreme Court addressed whether delays in the petitioner’s promotions within the Sri Lanka Foreign Service constituted violations of fundamental rights guaranteed by Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(g) of the Constitution. The controversy centered on the interpretation and application of the governing Sri Lanka Foreign Service Minutes, the process surrounding efficiency bar examinations, and the permissibility of backdating promotions within the constraints of financial regulations. The findings established that, notwithstanding administrative irregularities and delays in processing the petitioner’s