P.M. Kariyawasam vs Sri Lanka Transport Board – CA WRIT 750/2010-2010

In the case between P.M. Kariyawasam (Petitioner) and the Sri Lanka Transport Board and Chief Regional Manager, Sri Lanka Transport Board (Respondents), the court addressed the lawfulness of the petitioner’s compulsory retirement at age 55 under Board Circular No. 52 and the subsequently withdrawn Board Circular “P8”. The court held that the retirement decision was justified and not unlawful or irrational, reaffirming the principle that extension of service beyond the prescribed retirement age is contingent upon the employer’s discretion and specific eligibility criteria, rather than an entitlement. This decision relied on the terms of Public Enterprises Circular No. 52, relevant Board circulars, and clarified that Public Enterprises Circular No. 60 of 29.04.2011 did not apply retroactivel