Shalitha Wijaya Wikrama Singhebahu & Others vs. Mabapola Training Institute & Others – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO: 409/2020-2024

In the case between a group of Petitioners (cadets enrolled in the Mahapola Training Institution, now Mahapola Port Marine Academy) and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority along with related entities, the court examined whether the failure to provide on-board training and to implement approved decisions regarding appointments and salary grades constituted an unlawful, arbitrary, and unreasonable administrative action. The holding determined that the Respondents’ failure to implement appointment decisions and salary placements, as previously approved by management and board authorities, violated the Petitioners’ legitimate expectations. The principle reaffirmed was that a public authority is bound to honor lawful commitments and decisions and cannot deviate arbitrarily, particularly when such act