R.M.S. Jayatissa vs C. D. Wickramaratne – SC FR 168/2020-2025

In the case between several police officers (including those injured during terrorist activities) and the Inspector General of Police, National Police Commission officers, and related state authorities, the court addressed the issue of whether the denial of backdating promotion benefits—approved under a specific Cabinet Decision—to the petitioners constituted a violation of their constitutional right to equality. The findings established that the petitioners, who sustained injuries while serving, were entitled to have their first promotions backdated to the date of injury, as granted to a similarly situated senior officer. It was determined that the refusal to implement the Cabinet-approved relief amounted to unequal treatment, thus infringing upon the petitioners’ fundamental rights. This