Senudi Metsuvi Hettiarachchi v. Ashani Kodithuwakku et al. – CA WRIT/464/2022-2022

In the case between Senudi Metsuvi Hettiarachchi (Petitioner) and Ashani Kodithuwakku (Principal, Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda) with others (Respondents), the court addressed the issue of whether the rejection of the petitioner’s Grade 1 school admission was a final determination or a preliminary, inconclusive finding permitting further consideration. The holding established that the grounds cited in the rejection letter were speculative and not determinative, thus necessitating a re-examination of the application in line with the applicable Circulars (‘R1’ and ‘P2’). The principle reaffirmed is that administrative bodies must base school admission decisions on final and transparent reasoning, with opportunities granted for clarification through further evidence, particularly regarding proof