D. Pravesha Wickamasuriya vs. Mr. Sumeda Kariyawasam, Principle, Southland College, Galle – SC /FRA/ 209/2022-2024

In the case between D. Pravesha Wickamasuriya (on behalf of minor Abeyhtunga Kankanam Gamachchige Sasadara) and Mr. Sumeda Kariyawasam (Principal, Southland College, Galle) with others, the court addressed the issue of whether the admission process for Grade‑1 at Southland College, Galle violated the petitioner’s fundamental rights under Article 12(1) of the Constitution due to the application of the religious quota for non‑Catholic Christian students. It was held that the religious quota applied solely to the 35 vacancies allocated through the interview process and not the total admissions, clarifying the correct interpretation of the relevant guidelines and circulars. The court reaffirmed the principle that statutory guidelines for school admissions must be precisely followed and that qu