Sella Kapu Lilani Abeychandra vs Dharmasoka College et al. – SC FR/APPLICATION NO.52/2018-2019

In the case between Sella Kapu Lilani Abeychandra (Petitioner, on behalf of the applicant’s child) and the Principal of Dharmashoka College, Members of the Appeal Board, Ministry of Education, and Attorney General’s Department (Respondents), the court addressed the alleged unfair denial of Grade 1 admission under the transfer category as outlined in Circular No.22/2017. The core issue concerned whether the school authorities’ decisions—initially citing insufficient marks, later inadequate qualifications, and inconsistencies in residential addresses—constituted a violation of the child’s fundamental rights under Articles 12(1) and 12(2) of the Constitution. It was held that the petitioner failed to establish a violation of rights, with particular attention given to the clean hands doctrine