J. C. Weliamuna vs Hon. Upaly Abeyrathne and others – CA WRIT 297/2021-2024

In the case between J. C. Weliamuna (Petitioner) and the Chairman and members of a Presidential Commission of Inquiry, the Secretary, and the Attorney-General’s Department (Respondents), the court addressed the issue of whether the findings and recommendations contained in the report (“P6”) of a Presidential Commission of Inquiry were legally binding and enforceable against the Petitioner. The holding determined that the impugned report was ultra vires, non-binding, and violated principles of natural justice and reasonableness, justifying the issuance of a writ of certiorari to quash the recommendations as they pertain to the Petitioner. The court reaffirmed the principle that recommendations by such a commission do not possess legal finality or binding force unless a Special Presidential