Asst. Labour Commissioner vs Hapugastanne Plantations Limited – CA PHC 47/2004-2014

In the case between Asst. Labour Commissioner, Narahenpita, Colombo (Plaintiff) and Hapugastanne Plantations Limited, Palm Garden, Ratnapura (Defendant), the court addressed whether an appeal lies to the Court of Appeal from a judgment of the Provincial High Court made in the exercise of its appellate jurisdiction under Article 154(p) of the Sri Lankan Constitution. The court ruled that such an appeal is not maintainable in the Court of Appeal and may only proceed to the Supreme Court with appropriate leave, reaffirming the principle that appellate review from orders of the Provincial High Court under the specified jurisdiction is restricted by statute. This outcome relied on the interpretation of Section 9(a) of the High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act and the precedent Wi