T. Udayasooriyan vs. M. Abeygunasekara, Principal, Kandy Girls High School and others – CA/WRT/0294/2020-2024

In the case between T. Udayasooriyan (on behalf of the minor Udayasooriyan Oneliya Steffani) and the Principal of Girls’ High School, Kandy, the President of the Interview Appeal Board, and others, the court addressed the issue of the proper assessment of school admission eligibility under the ‘close proximity’ category and religious considerations. The ruling established that the petitioner was entitled to full marks on proximity and that the aggregate score exceeded the cutoff for admission, thereby entitling the petitioner’s child to enrollment. The decision reaffirmed that admission procedures must strictly observe the criteria set forth in Circular No. 29/2019, disallowing unauthorized mark deductions or additional cutoff requirements. It was underscored that procedural fairness and a