W.A.V. Warnakulasooriya vs M.M.P.K. Mayadunne, Secretary, Ministry of Transport and Highways – CA WRIT 491/2023-2024

The case between W.A.V. Warnakulasooriya and officials of the Ministry of Transport and Highways as well as the Department of Management Services addressed the legality and procedural validity of disciplinary actions taken against the Petitioner, particularly his suspension and the issuance of a charge sheet in connection with his political candidacy. It was held that such actions were legally flawed and procedurally unsound, reaffirming the principle that employment governed by specific project agreements and Management Services Circulars cannot be subjected to public service disciplinary codes in the absence of explicit contractual incorporation. The decision relied on the project-specific contractual framework and administrative law principles, emphasizing that project employees must be