Lanka Marine Services (Private) Limited v. K.M. Sarathchandara and others – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO: 609/2008-2011

In the case between Lanka Marine Services (Private) Limited and K.M. Sarathchandara with others (including the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation), the court addressed whether certain employees, who were transferred from Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) to Lanka Marine Services and later retired, were entitled to a service benefit from the CPC Thrift Society after their transfer and cessation of membership. It was held that, upon the transfer in 1993, membership in the CPC Thrift Society ceased by virtue of its rules, and the employees received all amounts due at that time. The principle reaffirmed is that entitlements under a benefit society must be determined according to its constitution and applicable employment terms, and any subsequent discretionary benefits offered to different employee