W. Sunil Abeysiri & others vs. Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation – SC FR 327/2015-2025

In the case between several petitioners—comprising trade unions and employees of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (such as the Independent Broadcasting Employees’ Union, Progressive Workers’ Union, and others)—and the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) along with its past and present directors, the court addressed the issue of whether promotions and salary increments granted in the absence of an approved scheme constituted an infringement of fundamental rights, specifically under Article 12(1) of the Constitution. The court held that the impugned promotions and salary increments were granted arbitrarily and were, therefore, null and void. The principle reaffirmed is that statutory powers relating to appointments, promotions, and salary increments must be exercised transparentl