S. Malavipathirana Vs. Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka and others – SC FR 169/2024-2025

The case involves S. Malavipathirana (Petitioner) against the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka and 27 others (Respondents). The core legal issues revolve around the alleged violation of the Petitioner’s fundamental rights under Article 12(1) (equality before the law) and Article 14(1)(g) (freedom to engage in lawful occupation/profession) of the Constitution. The Petitioner, who applied for a Senior Lecturer Grade II position in 2009, was initially appointed as a Lecturer (Probationary) with an assurance of later upgrading. Despite internal university committees and the University Services Appeals Board (USAB) recommending his placement as Senior Lecturer Grade II from his initial appointment date due to an administrative error, the Respondents failed to implement these recommendations