J.P. Alensu v. Mahinda Madihahewa and others – 455/2006-2011

In the case between J.P. Alensu, Chandrasiri Hotel and Bakery, and the Commissioner General of Labour (Mahinda Madihahewa) with several dismissed employees, the court examined the validity of an order awarding compensation to employees dismissed after a workplace dispute. The case addressed whether the Commissioner’s order breached natural justice where an inquiry was conducted by different officers, whether the Petitioner qualified as the employer under the Termination of Employment of Workmen (Special Provisions) Act No. 45 of 1971, and whether the Act applied to the situation based on staff numbers and voluntary vacation of posts. The findings established that sufficient evidence confirmed the Petitioner was the employer, the threshold for the Act was met, and the delegation of inquiry