E. M. Haritha Prabath Ekanayake vs Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka – CA 153/2013-2014

In the case between E. M. Haritha Prabath Ekanayake (and three other petitioners, third-year students of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka) and Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (including Prof. Mahinda S. Rupasinghe, Vice Chancellor/Chairman, and others), the court addressed whether the temporary suspension of the petitioners’ studentship for eight months was lawful and complied with principles of natural justice and procedural fairness. It was determined that, although procedural shortcomings were present in the university’s disciplinary proceedings, no fatal prejudice resulted to the petitioners, and substantive justice was not compromised. The suspension’s legal justification was upheld, but the period was held to be excessive, being reduced from eight to four months in observanc