C.W. Ratnayake v. National Savings Bank et al. – CA /WRIT/APP/NO.279/2008-2012

In the case between C.W. Ratnayake and National Savings Bank, the court addressed whether the Petitioner was entitled to a writ of Mandamus compelling the Respondents to pay pension and gratuity arrears as recommended by the Human Rights Commission and Political Victimization Committee. It was determined that the recommendations made by these bodies did not impose a legally enforceable public duty on the Respondents that could be compelled by Mandamus. The principle established was that Mandamus can only issue to enforce a clear legal right and a corresponding legal obligation, not to implement recommendations lacking statutory force. The decision relied on legal standards such as Halsbury’s Laws of England and Ratnayake v. C.D. Perera, emphasizing the distinction between recommendations a