National Union of Seafarers vs Sri Lanka Ports Authority – WRIT APPLICATION NO: 124/13-2022

In the case between The National Union of Seafarers, M.M.L. Ranjan Perera, Jathika Sewaka Sangamaya, and L.M.V. Sirinal Maxim De Mel (Plaintiffs) and Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Jaya Container Terminals Limited, and Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama, among other officials (Defendants), the court addressed the issue of whether circulars issued by the administrative authorities had statutory force to alter the retirement age and benefits of employees of the 2nd Respondent. It was held that the circulars in question did not possess statutory authority sufficient to create a binding legal duty enforceable by writs such as Certiorari or Mandamus. The principle reaffirmed was that administrative circulars, unless underpinned by statutory provision, are insufficient to confer a legal right susceptible to