Wijetunge Mudiyanselage Lalith Kumara Wijetunge vs. Commissioner General of Agrarian Development et al. – SC FR 181/2014-2024

In the case between Wijetunge Mudiyanselage Lalith Kumara Wijetunge (Petitioner) and the Commissioner General of Agrarian Development, Public Service Commission officers, and associated officials (Respondents), the court addressed the issue of alleged infringement of the petitioner’s fundamental right to equality under Article 12(1) of the Constitution, in the context of the promotion process for the post of Assistant Commissioner of Agrarian Development (Departmental) Class III. It was held that the petitioner’s rights were violated due to arbitrary administrative actions, including the delayed antedating of Grade I promotion and improper awarding of marks under seniority and operational performance criteria. The principle reaffirmed is that administrative authorities must ensure substant