N.L.D. Ariyaratne vs. P.B.P.K. Weerasinghe et al – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO. 139/2012-2012

In the case between N.L.D. Ariyaratne (petitioner, represented by the Ceylon Planters’ Society) and P.B.P.K. Weerasinghe (Commissioner of Labour), D.A. Wijewardena (Arbitrator), and Kahawatte Plantations Ltd. (respondents), the court examined whether the petitioner’s application for writs of certiorari and mandamus was maintainable against the termination of arbitration proceedings and the refusal to recommence arbitration under the Industrial Disputes Act. The court determined that preliminary objections—including alleged suppression and misrepresentation of facts, non-joinder of the Minister of Labour, laches, and procedural deficiencies—did not preclude hearing the substantive merits of the petitioner’s claim. It was reaffirmed that in the circumstances, technical objections should not