Eng. Dr. D. C. R. Abeysekara vs. Ceylon Electricity Board et al. – CA WRIT/605/2021-2022

In the case between Eng. Dr. D. C. R. Abeysekara (Petitioner) and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), including its Board Members and Minister of Power (Respondents), the court addressed the lawfulness of extending the service of Eng. M. R. Ranatunga as General Manager of CEB beyond the statutory retirement age, and whether the Petitioner was entitled to appointment as General Manager upon Ranatunga’s retirement. It was held that the appointment of the Petitioner as General Manager was lawful and procedurally valid under the Ceylon Electricity Board Act, and that objections of futility were unfounded since both Board and Minister had previously approved the appointment. A writ of Mandamus was thereby issued to effect the Petitioner’s appointment as General Manager from 13.01.2022. The prin