R. V. S. P. Rajapaksha vs University of Peradeniya – 510/2021-2023

In the case between R. V. S. P. Rajapaksha (petitioner, former Registrar of the University of Peradeniya) and the University of Peradeniya (including its Council, Vice Chancellor, and officials), the court addressed whether the termination of the petitioner during probation, without a formal disciplinary inquiry, violated the principles of natural justice and the statutory procedures under the Establishment Code of the University Grants Commission. The holding established that, even in instances involving probationary employees, the termination arising from allegations of misconduct necessitated adherence to formal disciplinary procedures, including a full inquiry. The ruling reaffirmed the legal principle that due process protections for disciplinary action attach irrespective of employme