Prof. M.D. Amarasinghe vs. University of Kelaniya – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO.03/2012-2012

The case between Prof. M.D. Amarasinghe (Petitioner) and Prof. Sarath Amunugama and Prof. D.D.S. Kulatunga (Respondents) addressed the validity of the 2nd respondent’s appointment as Dean of Faculty, focusing on qualification criteria and procedural propriety. It was held that absence of a specific rule limiting terms as Head of Department or requiring mandatory interdiction upon criminal charges meant the appointment was legally valid. The principle reaffirmed is that writ jurisdiction is only invoked on demonstrable breach of law or regulatory procedure. The decision relied on the University Establishment Code, emphasizing that the grant of interdiction remained discretionary, and lack of the appointing authority as a party undermined the application’s maintainability.

S. Sriskandarajah