Daya Shanthapriya Gunawardena vs HE Maithripala Sirisena Minister of Defense and others – SC FR 288/2015-2025

In the case between Daya Shanthapriya Gunawardena and multiple government officials, including ministers and the Secretary to the Cabinet of Ministers, the court addressed the legality of the Cabinet’s action in re-employing the 41st Respondent, a Deputy Inspector General of Police, on a contract basis after reaching the compulsory retirement age. The court determined that such re-employment did not fall within the lawful authority of the Cabinet of Ministers, but rather with the National Police Commission or Public Service Commission as provided by the Constitution and relevant amendments. The findings established that the Cabinet’s decision to extend service was void and that Daya Shanthapriya Gunawardena’s fundamental rights, particularly under Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(g), had been viol