Sri Lankan Airlines Limited vs Hon. Gamini Lokuge M.P. – CA 273/2007-2012

In the case between Sri Lankan Airlines Limited and Hon. Gamini Lokuge M.P. (Minister of Labour Relations & Productivity Improvement), the court addressed whether the termination of employment of the 5th Respondent, T. Raveendran, was justified and whether reinstatement was an appropriate remedy in light of national security concerns. It was held that, although the termination was found to be unjust by the Arbitrator due to a lack of internal inquiry or charge sheet, the unique national security implications attached to the respondent’s role justified the setting aside of the reinstatement order in favour of compensation. This ruling reaffirmed the principle that, in cases where exceptional circumstances such as national security arise, the remedy of reinstatement need not follow even if t